By Sue-Ann Wayow
THE behaviour of the United National Congress (UNC) Opposition during the extraordinary sitting of Parliament last month to have President Paula-MaeWeekes investigated by a tribunal was unparliamentary behaviour conducted with the intention to insult and embarrass members and to obstruct the proceedings.
This was stated by Independent Senator Anthony Vieira as he tabled the motion in his name, the motion of censure entitled Unparliamentary Conduct of Opposition Senators in the Senate on Tuesday adding that the motion was unavoidable.
The motion states all senators were duty-bound to “uphold the dignity, discipline and decorum of Parliament and defend it from disrespect.”
Through the private motion filed, Vieira is seeking to have the Senate censure the unparliamentary conduct of the Opposition members and a Joint Select Committee be established to consider and report on a Code of Ethical conduct and behaviour for Senators.
Vieira said, “I have nothing against the United National Congress Opposition. This is not about choosing between red, yellow or any colour. I am the same towards all. I neither dislike nor favour any political party. This is about Trinidad and Tobago and taking a stand on behalf of Parliament.”
He said the outcome of the motion should stand as a warning that unparliamentary behaviour was unacceptable and that Opposition members had every right to be concerned about the motion as they can be suspended or even expelled due to their unbecoming and disrespectful behaviour if the Senate so desired.
Vieira said that was not what he wanted, however.
“All I am asking for is for the Senate to collectively express its disapproval and condemnation of unparliamentary conduct. To be clear, I am not calling for anyone’s suspension or expulsion.”
Vieira and the other independent senators have been criticised by the Opposition led by Kamla Persad-Bissessar who claimed they were favouring the Government when they cast their votes on October 21.
“To molest members on account of their conduct in Parliament is a contempt,” Vieira said.
He defended the independent senators saying they have no political affiliation and neither do they work as a team against any particular organisation.
“We suffer and take our blows alone,” he said, adding that independent senators should be able to speak and vote on matters without fear or favour.
Using himself as an example, Vieira said he had two appointments as an independent senator under two presidents including when the Opposition was in Government.
“Neither President has ever contacted me, has ever asked me to speak or vote on anything in any particular way,” he said.
Seepersad traumatised
He also defended independent senator Charrise Seepersad who is the sister of former Police Service Commission chairman Bliss Seepersad saying she was the most traumatised by the Opposition’s behaviour.
Vieira said, “We need to recognise the behaviour for what it was. Unparliamentary conduct intending to insult, embarrass and obstruct independent senators while we were performing our duties as members of the electoral college.”
The usual banter and picong in Parliament were usually used without the intention of deeply hurting anyone but “traumatised” was the only word he could used to describe Charisse Seepersad after the voting process.
“She was fearful, anxious and confused,” he said.
Vieira spent some time reading from the Hansard records, the comments made by several members of the Opposition during that particular sitting which he said was all a charade.
And he expressed most disappointment in Opposition Senator Wade Mark – a former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The Opposition during the sitting has raised several issues with House Speaker Brigid Annisette-George including demanding a debate and the recusal of Seepersad from the voting process. Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley had described the manner in which the objections and interruptions were made as “disgraceful.”
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