In a tense session of the House of Representatives on October 10, Defence Minister Wayne Sturge invoked standing order 27(g) to sidestep an urgent question from the opposition regarding the abrupt termination of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Darryl Daniel. The query, posed by Arouca/Lopinot MP Marvin Gonzales, sought clarity on the reasons behind Daniel’s removal, particularly in light of the ongoing state of emergency in Trinidad and Tobago. Sturge’s decision to decline answering, citing public interest, sparked a heated exchange among lawmakers. Gonzales, the opposition chief whip, emphasized the importance of parliamentary accountability, while House Leader Barry Padarath defended Sturge’s right to invoke the standing order. Speaker Jagdeo Singh noted that while the standing orders permit ministers to withhold information deemed contrary to public interest, they do not grant the Speaker authority to challenge such claims. The Ministry of Defence had earlier stated that President Christine Kangaloo revoked Daniel’s appointment on the advice of Sturge, following consultations with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The decision, described as the result of extensive deliberations, assured that the operational effectiveness of the defence force would remain unaffected. Daniel, who served as CDS since March 2019, was succeeded by Coast Guard Commander Captain Don Polo, the next most senior officer with two years left in service.