KAY-MARIE FLETCHER
Senior Reporter
kay-marie.fletcher@guardian.co.tt
While support from his party colleagues may be slim at the moment, Cumuto/Manzanilla MP Dr Rai Ragbir’s constituency neighbour, Toco/Sangre Grande MP Roger Monroe, has come forward to support his claims surrounding what has been happening at the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation.
The Cumuto/Manzanilla MP broke ranks on June 21 by voting for the Whistleblower Protection Bill with Government MPs.
This week, he said his decision was due to the numerous concerns raised by people regarding certain actions within the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation but who are afraid to come forward.
The corporation’s chairman Kenwyn Phillip has since responded, telling Ragbir to take his concerns to the police.
However, Monroe believes there is more to it.
Speaking to Guardian Media outside Parliament yesterday, Monroe said, “We have challenges at the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation which is presently UNC-led and Dr Ragbir, in my personal view, would have made the best choice for Trinidad and Tobago and the people of the northeastern region of Trinidad.
“When one is the head of an institution that is the centre of any question, they may not want to openly admit such, but time will tell, and all will be revealed.”
But inside the House, there was not much support for Ragbir from his Opposition colleagues.
While the Cumuto/Manzanilla MP took his usual seat without any challenge, some Opposition MPs kept their distance from Ragbir, and one even believed he should leave the UNC.
Couva South MP Rudranath Indarsingh said, “If you break ranks in the Westminster system, you should resign and prove your worth. But he has to be provided with an opportunity to be heard and account for his actions.”
Asked if he had spoken with Ragbir following the vote, Couva North MP Ravi Ratiram said, “I really haven’t seen him around for a while, haven’t seen him around.”
Similarly, Oropouche East MP Roodal Moonilal said, “No, I haven’t had the opportunity to speak to him or any of his colleagues as yet. I don’t know what will transpire ... My advice to all my Members of Parliament is to take heed of the will of the people. The people have expressed their will in the elections in the UNC and we are moving full steam ahead.”
Barataria/San Juan MP Saddam Hosein preferred to not say much about Ragbir.
“With respect to Dr Ragbir, I have no comment on him at this particular point in time. The party has instituted really our internal procedures that has been made public so far, so let due process take its course,” Hosein said.
But Monroe said, “The PNM is always welcoming and open to most persons and Dr Ragbir has a free choice to do such.”