Independent Senators are pushing back against the anti-government label attributed to them by the United National Congress (UNC), with one senator asking that they refrain from using intimidation to get their way.
Independent Senator Anthony Vieira SC told Guardian Media: “If the government wants support from the Independent bench, that’s easy, just give us cogent, compelling and persuasive arguments. Somehow, I think that might work better than trying to demean and belittle us or via veiled threats and attempts at intimidation.”
The UNC strongly criticised the Independent Senate bench, questioning their impartiality and suggesting that the President, known for her close ties to the PNM, strategically appointed them to undermine the government.
The ruling party urged the Independent bench to vote with them today when the Prime Minister’s Pension Amendment Bill goes to the Senate.
The party’s PRO Dr Kirk Meighoo referenced the debate on the Children’s Life Fund where on three occasions at the committee stage, the independent bench voted with the Opposition forcing the Senate President to use his casting vote to break the 15-15 tie.
But senator, who is the longest serving Independent bencher in the Upper House, questioned if the government is saying they should have remained silent in the face of apparent flaws to the Bill.
“Support doesn’t mean being blind to flaws in the drafting. Anyone following the debate and what occurred at committee stage will see that each member on the Independent bench in his or her own way, drawing from his or her area of expertise, sought to improve the legislation—not to torpedo or derail it,” Vieira said.
He added: “For myself, I saw aspects of the legislation that were potentially challengeable in court and I sought to strengthen the legislation.
“Senator Desirée Murray and I, separately and independently, proposed amendments to the Bill that would expand coverage for vulnerable children, we also recognised the need for clearer language re the medical illnesses and conditions identified in the third schedule.”
The Independent Senator asked: “Should the fact that two people looking at the same thing arrive at a similar conclusion be interpreted as a caucus or that these were easily identifiable and remediable matters?
“Should we and others have remained silent and let apparent flaws in the Bill get a bligh lest the bench be accused of being antigovernment or as acting in collusion?”
Viera said every Independent senator who spoke on the Bill said they were in support of the legislation.
Another returning Independent Senator, Deoroop Teemal, said it is now natural to feel pressured by the government following its assertions.
“I think it’s expected that there will be some degree of pressure. But I am guided by the oath that I have taken, I have sworn to uphold the Constitution,” he said.
Senator Teemal said that even though there was division at the committee stage of the Children’s Life Fund debate, following that no Independent senator voted against it. Likewise, he said the government was also able to pass the bill to repeal the Trinidad and Tobago Revenue Authority (TTRA).
He said he will be going to the Upper House today with some concerns about the Prime Minister’s Pension Bill and he will raise them. However, Teemal said he is also going with an open mind and will only make a decision on the Bill when he hears all sides of the argument.
Independent Senator Courtney McNish said the assumption that the will of the people is always satisfied in a legislative proposal is a fallacy.
“As an independent thinker, I have an obligation to apply a conscience test before casting my vote. I took an oath to do that and I always will, regardless of what any politician or political activists say or think,” he said.
Senator Dr Marlene Attzs said: “If this is a preemptive attempt to cast doubt or sow mistrust, it’s both unfortunate and misplaced.”
Dr Attzs, who has not yet had her day in the Senate as she has been on leave approved by the President and Senate President, a professional commitment which predated her appointment as a senator, said: “My appointment was made in full accordance with the Constitution—not as part of any imagined subterfuge. Any suggestion to the contrary could be interpreted as political mischief aimed at obfuscation and distracting the public.”
She said when she does speak in Parliament it will be a “principled, professional contribution grounded in what, based on available information, is in the best interest of the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”