Next Monday’s debate on the Opposition’s no-confidence motion against the Prime Minister will be a marathon one, lasting into Tuesday, Communication Minister Jamal Mohammed said yesterday. Speaking at yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Mohammed said all Government MPs would speak and were prepared to debate into Wednesday if necessary. The motion was filed by Opposition Leader Keith Rowley, who is calling on the Parliament to sanction the motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Kamla Persad- Bissessar and the Government. It also targets Attorney General Anand Ramlogan and Local Government Minister Suruj Rambachan.
The motion states that the “UNC-led” Government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister, has by various actions” attacked and conspired to undermine key institutions of State, including the Judiciary, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Opposition and the media. It also states the Attorney General and the Minister of Local Government and other ministers “have also participated in such attacks against these important institutions of our democracy.” It comes on the eve of the administration’s third anniversary in Government on May 24. Debate is due to start at 1.30 pm. Mohammed said proceedings were expected to go beyond Monday and into Tuesday. He said everything would depend on how many MPs speak.
He said all Government’s MPs were prepared to speak. PP backbencher Herbert Volney yesterday replied “yes,” when the T&T Guardian asked if he would be speaking during the debate. Volney, who was fired last September, said he would defend the Prime Minister and Government but added his contribution “will be constructively critical.” PNM whip Marlene McDonald had also told the T&T Guardian on Wednesday debate was expected to be a marathon event lasting until Tuesday.