Deputy UNC political leader and Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlean John has accused the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago (LATT) of attempting to curtail Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s freedom of expression.
John made the accusation as she strongly defended Persad-Bissessar’s criticism of Independent Senators following their refusal to support the Government’s Special Operations Bill.
“I stand firmly in support of the Honourable Prime Minister’s statement regarding ‘Independent Senators’ and I also condemn the Law Association’s feeble attempt to curtail the Prime Minister’s right to free speech,” John said.
LATT, in a statement on Monday, expressed concern over Persad-Bissessar’s criticism of the Independent Bench and her declaration that the Government would no longer accept amendments proposed by Independent Senators.
The association defended the constitutional role of the nine Independent Senators and argued that democracy depended on governments hearing and considering views from outside the Government bench.
John, however, accused the association of selectively relying on the Constitution while overlooking the Prime Minister’s right to criticise public officials.
“At its core, the Constitution is meant to nurture democracy and protect fundamental rights. In case the Law Association needs a reminder, free speech is the lifeblood of democracy,” she said.
John argued that senators were not immune from public criticism and said strong political language was part of robust democratic debate.
“Politics and political persuasion is not a tea party that the authors of that LATT statement seem to be more familiar with. It is a crucible. It is a battlefield of ideas and commentary,” she said.
“Strong language engenders strong debate and the UNC will never retreat from a fight on behalf of innocent lives, weeping mothers and vulnerable families terrorised by the criminals which the PNM failed to protect.”
John also questioned the position of Independent Senators, arguing that unlike elected politicians, they do not face voters at the polls.
“These presidentially appointed senators pounded no pavement, shook no hands and faced no public scrutiny, to enjoy the perks of senatorship. The least they can do is endure some critique of an obviously evil decision to not support the UNC’s war on crime and criminals,” she said.
However, LATT noted in its statement that no member of the Senate is directly elected. Under the constitutional arrangement, 16 senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, six on the advice of the Opposition Leader and nine by the President in the President’s discretion from among people who have distinguished themselves in various fields.
John also questioned the independence of the Independent Bench, pointing to President Christine Kangaloo’s previous association with the PNM before becoming Head of State.
She argued that when Independent Senators vote in a manner the Government considers consistent with positions taken by the Opposition, the Prime Minister and members of the public are entitled to question their decisions.
“So when the Independent Bench votes in a manner that appears remarkably consistent with that very gospel, is it unreasonable for the public and the Honourable Prime Minister to question the independence being claimed?” John asked.
John also branded LATT “elitist” and accused the association of only now finding its voice after remaining silent on issues under the previous administration.
She ended her statement by invoking the late calypso icon Dr Slinger Francisco, the Mighty Sparrow, and his calypso “Good Citizen.”
Quoting from the song, John said: “They say you have the right to criticize but then you are victimized,” before later adding, “Yet these fakes and phonies enjoy a long life of luxury while they spread corruption throughout the country.”
