Shocker in the Senate

NALINI DIAL

I FEEL compelled to have my say on this very concerning matter of the amended Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act, which was passed back in 2014 by both the UNC government and the PNM opposition in its original context, without need for any amendments at that time.

As a politician and a citizen, who has always stood up for integrity in public life and for fair and honest politics, I am very shocked and disturbed by the passing of the bill to amend the act, and the ramifications that I foresee are possible if and when it is proclaimed.

Nothing has troubled me more since the results of the recent general election. I was prepared for either of the two major parties winning. There was no surprise for me. But today I must admit that I am completely confused and even dismayed that this long awaited bill has been passed with what I believe to be loopholes for corruption and unaccountability of spending of public funds.

It is no secret that our country is seen as a very corrupt one. Citizens are aware of numerous instances of corruption by all governments thus far and people in high office. And worse yet is that no one is brought to account.

TT is very high on the international Corruption Perceptions Index. Something that none of us should be proud of. Even the present Government daily reminds us of how corrupt the last UNC government was. We are still waiting on the proof and for justice to be served if this is so.

Therefore it amazes me that any government would seek to cast doubt in our minds as to why it has sought to make these questionable changes to the procurement law. The reasons offered by the Prime Minister are not convincing enough to me, and also a whole section of the population. Many have voiced their disagreement and concern vociferously.

I would have thought that the Prime Minister and his Government would want to build trust and confidence in their handling of the public purse. Instead there is now more distrust. They are under the microscope once again.

Another concern that I have is that if and when this Government should leave office, how would it, and the people, ensure that the incoming party would not misuse and abuse these same amendments to its own benefit and for party financing at election time? Does the PNM really believe it will always be in office?

Lastly, but it must be addressed, is the position taken by the Independent senators on this bill. How can eight of nine people, appointed as Independents to have an objective and neutral opinion, abstain from voting yes or no? What exactly does abstention indicate to us the public? What are we to derive from this type of decision? Are they themselves troubled? Unsure? Afraid? What are we to assume or conclude from their action?

They have all failed to do their duty and I believe they should all resign. They were our only hope for fairness and integrity in these circumstances. We rely on them to keep the Government in check, but they have disappointed us. I know that I speak for numerous people in society.

I will not comment much on the decision of Senator Dr Maria Dillon-Remy to vote in favour of the bill, except that it is very strange and unusual that she was the only one who saw something favourable in it. She has her own conscience to deal with.

Today, instead of us good citizens rejoicing, especially at Christmas time, and with all the stress and pain of dealing with the covid19 virus, we are distraught. We are troubled. We are alarmed. We had hopes that the days of corruption and pilfering of the public purse by those in high office would be finally regulated.

Our only hope now to save our country from a very bleak future and to attain true democracy is constitutional reform that includes the holding of referendums and proportional representation. Let us see when this PNM government will address this much needed piece of legislation.