Padarath, Indarsingh storm out

PRINCES Town MP Barry Padarath and Couva South MP Rudranath Indarsingh stormed out of the House of Representatives Standing Finance Committee yesterday, upset at an alleged bigot and pro-government activist participating in WASA’s social media campaign.

During a sitting to vary the allocations under the 2019 budget, Padarath had complained a contract being given to “a bigot and racist associated with the PNM.”

He named the man as Darrel Dookoo.

The man was featured in a skit with a puppet promoting water conservation, posted on the Facebook page of the Ministry of Public Utilities.

Committee chairman Bridgid Annisette-George said, “I’m not going to allow that question.

Certain words I’ll caution you about.”

At Padarath’s protestations, Annisette-George chided, “Member! Member! If you have difficulty restraining yourself, I’ve always advised a little walk helps.”

A seated Indarsingh loudly lamented “disparaging remarks” from the Government side, even as the chairman invited Padarath to leave rather than behave as if he were in a market.

The Opposition duo rose and marched out, with Padarath mouthing the words “racist” and “bigot” as he headed out.

Padarath spoke to reporters outside.

Minister of Public Utilities Robert Le Hunte defended the activist’s participation, saying he had a certain online following, displayed creativity, was able to convey a message and was entitled to participate like any other citizen.

“I’ll not prevent him from making a living,” he said.