That’s not the way to behave in public

In the Senate on February 7, Camille Robinson-Regis was sworn in as a temporary PNM senator. In the course of her contribution to the debate taking place, she referred to “shenanigans that have been taking place with this Government,” referring to DNA testing kits used by Minister of Transport Devant Maharaj.

Attorney General Anand Ramlogan saw it fit to respond and a battle of wits ensued with Ramlogan highlighting Robinson-Regis’ controversial use of a government-issued credit card to facilitate payment of medical treatment and sundry purchases in the US.
To which Robinson-Regis fired back, saying, “Perhaps he would not use his credit card to pay for it...we hope he doesn’t. We also hope he would not burn down his own office and perhaps we need to take DNA samples in that. As a matter of fact, we have been calling you several names, but we can’t say it in the House.”

She added that “people in the society have been calling you several names.” I am an avid PNM supporter but I cannot sit by and watch as a former high-ranking official like Robinson-Regis brings the debate standards of the Senate to an all-time low. Robinson-Regis should know, as a former high commissioner to Ottawa under the last administration, to observe certain protocols and treat members of the Senate with basic dignity. The Senate is the chamber where the intelligent debate occurs, having Independent senators qualified in diverse fields.

Further, the Office of the Attorney General is one that must be respected and as an attorney herself Robinson-Regis ought to have more taste than to pursue a verbal battle on the Senate floor. As a former parliamentarian, formerly in the Senate in 1994, she should respect the tradition of this chamber being called the “Upper House” and the implications that come with being a senator. I sincerely hope that this is not a sign of things to come.

Dexter Charles Williams
Petit Valley