The Cumuto/Manzanilla Member of Parliament says he has taken note of the statements made by Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar, which he says “falsely imply” that he missed Parliament last Friday, in an attempt to undermine the Opposition.
In a statement issued today, Dr Rai Ragbir expressed concern that his reputation was being tarnished, as he explained the circumstances behind his absence from Parliament on April 26, 2024.
Dr Ragbir said he informed Chief Whip, MP David Lee, that he was unable to join last Friday’s Private Members Day sitting, as he was attending his son’s graduation at Presentation College in Chaguanas.
The Cumuto/Manzanilla MP stated he had not been informed that there would be any other business in the House that day, apart from the Private Motion on the health system, which ended at 6:00 pm.
“This attempt by the Leader of the Opposition, to slander my reputation reeks of desperation and is obviously linked to her insecurity regarding the upcoming UNC internal elections,” Dr Ragbir asserts.
“I urge the Opposition Leader to act responsibly when providing critical information to the public. Providing blatantly false information with regard to how simple majority Motions are passed in the Lower House does a disservice to the citizens of our nation who are depending on us to hold this PNM Government to account,” he added.
Dr Ragbir’s Parliamentary colleagues for Tabaquite and Naparima also have issued statements expressing concern about the manner in which the Opposition Leader has painted their absence from Parliament last Friday.