Opposition calls Imbert rude, facetious and arrogant

AT different points Friday during the Standing Finance Committee meeting on Tobago House of Assembly expenditure for the 2018/2019 budget, various Opposition members described Finance Minister Colm Imbert as rude, facetious and arrogant.

Pointe-a-Pierre MP David Lee asked about the increase of $1.1 million in fees and asked Imbert to account for the estimate.

Imbert responded: "Mr Chairman I cannot accommodate a member who comes late, asks a question that was already asked and answered."

Indarsingh said: "Arrogant."

Forde said at that point not even ten items had been identified and there was a long evening ahead.

Later in the sitting Ramdial asked for details about the youth energised for success unit and Imbert responded: "It is to energise young people for success."

Ramdial said: "Don't be facetious minister."

Imbert said: "You're accusing me of being facetious?"

Ramdial said: "Can I get some clarification please? You just repeated what I said in a different way."

Imbert said: "It's a programme. It's been there for years."

Gopeesingh also asked about the item of payment of superannuation benefits and queried a missing word.

Imbert responded: "Assemblymen."

Gopeesingh: "You now want to put that in."

Imbert said: "That is what is missing."

Gopeesingh: "You don't have to be so rude as usual."

Members on both sides laughed and this lightened the tone of the Chamber.

Imbert said: "Mr Chairman I object. I object. I was asked a question and I answered it in sweet and milk, honey-like tones. And the member said I am rude? I object."

Forde asked Gopeesingh to retract and Gopeesingh, laughing, agreed.

Imbert, also laughing, said: "You playing for the gallery."

Forde said: "We needed that."