Debate begins in the House of Representatives tomorrow on death penalty legislation which the Opposition has described as actually "abolishing the death penalty" with its discretionary powers. "Far from being a deterrent against crime, this bill, which is very dangerous, can actually foster crime since it provides more layers of bureaucracy to wade through," said PNM MP Colm Imbert yesterday. Debate is also expected to continue either next Wednesday or next Friday.
Attorney General Anand Ramlogan is expected to pilot the bill while Opposition Chief Whip Marlene McDonald is expected to lead off the Opposition's reply. PNM officials indicated that not all of the PNM MPs would be speaking since a few are opposed to the death penalty. On the Government side, while some MPs also are opposed to the penalty, PP sources said, Government MPs who would speak would all toe the party line.
The PNM, which initially had called for time to discuss the issue with its general council, had not held that discussion, the party confirmed on Monday. A special general council meeting had been tentatively scheduled for last Wednesday but that was cancelled since the Lower House met that day, a PNM spokesman said. PNM's general council meets on Saturday after the first round of debate on the bill.