UNC MP Dr Rai Ragbir is taking aim at the party’s disciplinary committee, which he said has “long been defunct but suddenly sprung into action” after political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said he will be given due process and an opportunity to be heard.
This is the latest fallout after Ragbir shockingly voted alongside the Government on Friday, helping to pass the Whistleblower Protection Bill in the House of Representatives.
During the UNC Monday Night meeting, Persad-Bissessar said he would be given a chance to explain why he opted to vote with the Government and not the Opposition.
Ragbir was among five MPs who originally spoke about the delay in the UNC holding its national executive elections. He later contested the post of deputy political leader under the United Patriots slate led by Mayaro MP Rushton Paray. Ragbir did not win.
Yesterday, he responded to the impending disciplinary action and also revealed that one of the reasons he voted to pass the legislation was because of numerous concerns raised by people regarding certain actions within the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation.
He said he stood by his vote on the bill last Friday but noted, “The tragic irony that my party’s disciplinary committee, which has long been defunct, has now seemingly sprung into action—not to address members charged with crimes or those facing serious allegations of corruption or human trafficking, but rather to deal with my vote on a bill meant to fight corruption.”
He also addressed reports that members of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation, which is dominated by UNC councillors (six as opposed to two PNM) intend to protest against him.
“It has come to my attention that councillors attached to the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation intend to lead demonstrations against me due to my vote on the Whistleblower (sic) legislation. I will never condemn anyone for peacefully expressing dissent towards any elected official, that is their constitutional right,” Ragbir added.
But he claimed the motive behind the protest may not be entirely due to politics. “I wish to remind my party, as well as the nation, that the primary reason I voted in favour of this bill is the numerous concerns expressed by individuals regarding certain actions within the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation. Many people were afraid to report these matters to the police. I have no doubt that this legislation will benefit the people of Cumuto/Manzanilla and the entire country. I will provide more information on this issue in the coming weeks,” he alleged.
The Cumuto/Manzanilla MP also called on his colleagues, Dr Roodal Moonilal and Chief Whip David Lee, to bring evidence that he has been neglecting his duties as a parliamentary representative.
“I categorically deny this. I ask the Chief Whip to provide evidence that any parliamentary caucus on this issue was held and that he informed me of it. Further, it would be better for the party and the citizenry if these politically seasoned gentlemen stop misleading the population by suggesting that a fan club of ‘yes persons’ gathering in the ‘Opposition Chamber room and casually old talking mere minutes before a parliamentary session can be elevated to a parliamentary caucus,” Ragbir said.
He added, “I will continue to pray for my party, the UNC, which I love, and hope it can find its way for the sake of T&T.”