A heavy agenda is in place for the upcoming last session of the Parliamentary term—51 pieces of legislation from Government, no-confidence motions from the Opposition and the last year in Parliament for some MPs on both sides.
Hints of what's ahead for the last parliamentary segment of the five-year term were given by Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi, Opposition deputy leader David Lee and Parliamentarians during the last week.
Parliament's fourth session prorogued last Friday. The fifth session of the current 11th Parliament will be launched at 1.30 pm on Wednesday at the Parliament's Waterfront, Port-of-Spain location.
There will be no ceremonial opening. Instead, both the Upper and Lower Houses of Parliament will meet separately, and then together in the Parliament Chamber. Brief remarks are expected from leaders of both sides to launch the last session of the Rowley administration's term. The first order of business for the session, will be delivery of the 2020 Budget on October 7.
This session also officially kicks off the election year leading into Local Government polls—expected between November and early 2020—and general election.
Following the Budget presentation and debate, which concludes at the end of October, the ruling PNM will launch its Local Government elections campaign on November 10 at PNM's 49th annual convention.
This will be at the Queen's Park Savannah. Local Government candidates will be presented then, PNM PRO Laurel Lezama-Lee Sing confirmed yesterday.
The party completes outstanding LG screening next Thursday (for ten North and Central seats) and Friday (for 15 South seats). Respective screenings will be at PNM's Balisier House and South offices.
Last week PNM sources projected an LG date may be either December 2, 9 or 16 latest. A date is expected to be announced at the PNM's convention. The party will also resume screening soon for general election nominees.
In this last Parliamentary segment, UNC's Lee said the Opposition is planning to present several motions of no confidence. "One will be against the Government and others, regarding certain portfolios. Those are coming very early."
Al-Rawi said approximately 51 pieces of legislation are scheduled to be presented in Parliament during the last session. This includes over tens bills which will be carried over from the fourth session such as bills to formalise the gaming/gambling/casino sector, the TT Revenue Authority, financial, justice and anti-crime aspects.
Others include bills to decriminalise marijuana, on campaign finance reform and to regulate the real estate agents sector and registration of deeds. The proposed legislation also concerns Global Forum conditions and further amendments to the Bail Bill to tighten bail on the trafficking of firearms if a person commits even one offence. Legislation to deal with cruelty to animals, the insurance sector and implement GPS systems on fishing boats is also on the list.
SOME IN, SOME OUT
Some PNM MPs want to return, some out
Attendees for Wednesday's launch are expected to include embattled PNM MP Marlene McDonald who was recently placed on alleged corruption charges. She hasn't attended Parliament since before the July recess before she was charged. After being charged McDonald missed three parliamentary sittings.
However, her party is moving on, continuing to finalise LG preparations over the next few days and heighten preparations for general polls focusing on candidates for opposition-held areas.
PNM has three general election candidates: senators Daniel Dookie (Pointe-a-Pierre), Clarence Rambharat (Chaguanas East), Ndale Young (San Juan-Barataria).
Lezama-Lee Sing said the party will start screening for Caroni East, St Augustine, Couva South and Cumuto-Manzanilla "very soon." Nominations for these areas opened early in the year, "Some nominations, include some very credible people."
PNM sources said last Wednesday a handful of current MPs may not be "returned" after this parliamentary session and some shifts among current MPs and inclusion of some senators is expected. Choices for marginal seats are expected to be made after LG elections to give the party a more informed idea of its political standing.
Most PNM MPs didn't answer yesterday but some—including Tunapuna MP Esmond Forde—said when nominations are opened he'd submit his since he is willing to serve "once the people want it."
Arima MP Anthony Garcia, noting PNM's nomination processes, added that he was still interested in serving but had to consider his party group, constituency and family. Noting PNM still has to get through LG elections, he added that no MP is wedded to any particular post, "But my life's been one of service," he said, detailing a host of areas he's served in.
UNC incumbents filing nominations, but new faces emerging
The Opposition opened general election nominations a few weeks ago and no deadline has been announced. Several incumbents yesterday signalled intention to file nomination though some were guarded about intentions.
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has been appointing new faces to the Senate, some of whom are tipped for general election position. Latest was attorney Rishi Tripathi who debuted at last Wednesday's Senate sitting, speaking in a debate on the Government's housing savings bond.
Tripathi whose law practice is in Chaguanas where he's from is already being tipped by sources for seats in Couva and Chaguanas.
Yesterday he said he may seek to contest general polls. "I haven't yet decided, but I'm interested in serving the people. Every attorney aspires to be a legislator. I enjoyed my stint in the Senate and hope to serve further."
Tabaquite MP Suruj Rambachan who recently announced retirement from politics said he isn't encouraging his daughter Ranjana, an attorney, to follow in his footsteps as an MP. "But she has her own mind and if in the end, she enters politics, that's up to her. She was always interested as she's accompanied me in the last 15 years. I've encouraged her to build her legal career, there are many other ways to serve T&T beside being an MP, but it's up to her."
Roodal Moonilal (Oropouche East) said he had collected nomination forms and is working on the necessary documentation.
Ramona Ramdial (Couva North) said, "Of course, I'm interested in contesting again, I'll file and I'm ready to fight whoever wants it. In 2015 it was serious competition."
Barry Padarath (Princes Town) said he was examining the matter in " ...light of my professional and personal directions. This year's been very challenging. One has to consider family and constituents. I know I'm one of the most vocal MPs and very visible compared to other past MPs. But I won't impose myself on constituents, I'll consult them."
Rudy Indarsingh (Couva South) is considering contesting to continue working for the area. He's speaking to constituents who've given him unanimous approval.
Bhoe Tewarie (Caroni Central) said he'll file nomination to try to give constituents an opportunity to be in Government. He feels UNC needs "a boost of a good mix of experience, competence, youth and freshness" and he could add value.
"Any new government will face a formidable challenge because the Rowley Government has spent time blaming everyone, providing no solutions and making few interventions to stimulate confidence and recovery. That task will fall to us. Jobs, economic recovery and solutions are what people will expect from a new government. UNC will have to be a solution provider that makes recovery happen and moves T&T to shared prosperity with greater equity. I'd cherish the opportunity to contribute to building a better future."
Fuad Khan (San Juan Barataria) said it was up to the leader to "...say who she carries forward or leaves behind. She knows my thoughts...the option to change is for possibly a younger more vibrant crowd. The time has come for youths to take reins and for younger representatives, more academically inclined and of the new world order. Our time has passed."
David Lee (Pointe-a-Pierre) said he intends filing. "I'll do all possible to return to government. I assure if we win we'll do things differently."
Ganga Singh (Chaguanas West) said he hasn't decided. Fazal Karim (Chaguanas East) he is "still considering." Tim Gopeesingh (Caroni East) had no comment. Rodney Charles (Naparima) said he' would get back to the Guardian.
COP MP Prakash Ramadhar is undecided because of the quality of the politics and politicians' conduct. "T&T faces far greater threats than ever. The last thing needed is for the politics to divide people further. Whatever vehicle that takes T&T to a position where all is united to face challenges, that's the vehicle I'll be looking at."