Opposition MP Dr Rai Ragbir yesterday defended his position for voting with the People’s National Movement (PNM) in support of the Whistleblower Protection Bill in the House of Representatives, saying it was based on “putting country first.”
He, however, maintained that he will continue to love the United National Congress (UNC), its political leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar and his colleagues.
Joining ranks with the People’s National Movement, Ragbir said, was not an option for him, as he remained committed to the UNC, in which he served as deputy political leader for two years.
The Cumuto/Manzanilla MP’s vote in favour of the bill shocked members on the Opposition bench, causing jaws to drop.
However, Persad-Bissessar, in an immediate response, said she was not surprised by Ragbir’s vote with the PNM, saying she expected some dissidents within the UNC were working with the ruling party.
Ragbir was fingered as one of the UNC’s five dissidents.
However, the MP said no one knew he was going to give his approval to the bill.
Having studied the whistleblower legislation for years, Ragbir said there were a lot of fraudulent, illegal and immoral activities taking place in the world and people who have to come forward to report these issues in the workplace are always scared of losing their jobs, lives and being demoted.
“But there is the psychosocial aspect of it as well. They themselves get depressed.”
In reporting these activities, Ragbir said people need protection.
“As an Opposition parliamentarian and Christian, I have reached my moral crossroads ... where morals take precedence ... where my actions must align with my spiritual, moral values,” Ragbir told Guardian Media during an interview outside the Parliament Chamber minutes after supporting the bill.
“Somebody needs to make a stand. If I make a stand, then so be it.”
Ragbir made it abundantly clear he had no issues with his Opposition colleagues.
“I love them dearly ... I love my political leader. But as a man of faith, I take a stand for the better of the lives of the people in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Asked if there was a political fallout between himself and the UNC, he said, “For me, not at all. I will tell you why. I am a man of faith...today is today and no one knows about tomorrow.”
He said whatever decision he makes, he is guided by God and supported by his family and pastor.
“I will take the words from the honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar ... serve the people. That is what I am doing. I am serving the needs of the people here.”
Ragbir said the biggest issue affecting the country and world was crime.
“Crime has overtaken our lives and we need to start somewhere. We are the legislative arm. We have to do things that are different so that we can live a better life.”
He said people and professionals were leaving the country in droves due to the crime rate.
“We are scared, we are petrified to live in Trinidad and Tobago.”
“Even investors are terrified to come here. So when are we going to start and when are we going to stop? It starts here in the Parliament. I have made a decision and I know the repercussions of such but there are always consequences of your actions. But in my actions, I will be thrown out. No problem.”
He reiterated his commitment to the UNC.
“As long as they will have me, I will continue to do the work of the people and of the leader as well.”
He said if the party now chooses to reject him, he will continue to do his private medical practice.
He said he wants to be seen as a man of integrity, as this will be what he leaves behind as his legacy.
Asked if he would be joining the PNM or if the party had approached him, Ragbir replied, “I am 61 years old. I think I had enough ... when I say I had enough I am not going to put myself in that sort of position.”
Aligning with the PNM, the MP said, is out of the question.
Having been defeated as deputy political leader with the United Patriots team in UNC’s internal election last Saturday, Ragbir believes the party can still form a “formidable Opposition,” which is what the country needs.
“The PNM is not without its faults.”