AG hits Ramdeen for ‘racism’

ATTORNEY GENERAL Faris Al-Rawi on Monday apologised after accusing Opposition Senator Gerald Ramdeen of racism.

It began when Ramdeen was winding up his speech in the Senate debate on the Civil Asset Recovery and Management and Unexplained Wealth Bill, 2019 which he dubbed “a good PR stunt.”

He asked why the authorities should ask hard-working people to explain their wealth over a $500,000 threshold.

Ramdeen said, “What about if it is over $500 million? What about if it is over $500 million, in one generation? ‘We turn,’ in one generation.

“From indentureship and slavery get an education to become lawyers and doctors, but it have people in this country who in one generation turned from selling cloth to being multi...They almost own the entire country. And you want to tell us about explaining your wealth?”

Senate President Christine Kangaloo told Ramdeen to watch his presentation.

Ramdeen resumed, “Can the attorney general withdraw that? He said I was engaging in racism.”

Kangaloo said she had not heard, but if the AG had said so, he should withdraw.

Al-Rawi rose and said, “I did say it, and I withdraw it.”