Senior Reporter
dareece.polo@guardian.co.tt
As debate on the Mid-Year Budget Review to adopt the report of the Standing Finance Committee continued in the House of Representatives yesterday, the public gallery was filled with visitors, Government supporters and schoolchildren.
Students from Ramai Trace Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha Hindu Primary School, accompanied by parents and teachers, occupied one side of the gallery.
On the other side were government supporters, including Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayrhoo and social media personality Ringleader, whose given name is Keinell Garcia.
The proceedings unfolded without incident, in contrast to Friday’s heated exchanges, when Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath accused parliamentary technicians of muting Government microphones and questioned the impartiality of parliamentary staff.
The staff also drew criticism from Moruga/Tableland MP Michelle Benjamin, who said she and St Augustine MP Khadijah Ameen had previously raised similar concerns.
Despite Padarath reportedly taking a photograph of one technician, with threats of formal complaints and calls for investigations, yesterday’s sitting proceeded largely without disruption.
There was, however, a noticeable increase in the presence of parliamentary staff and parliamentary police within the chamber.
Guardian Media was told the arrangements were made to accommodate a larger-than-usual public gallery and coincided with scheduled parliamentary tours.
Throughout the sitting, parliamentary staff moved freely across the chamber floor, while technicians monitored proceedings from designated areas.
Photographers also documented the visit by students and other members of the public.
At the start of the sitting, House Speaker Jagdeo Singh indicated that he intended to address concerns arising from Friday’s proceedings.
