In a heated parliamentary session on November 21, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and Tobago found herself at the center of a political storm. The incident, involving Diego Martin North/East MP Colm Imbert, has sparked a robust defense from the United National Congress (UNC) leadership and its women’s league. Barry Padarath, Leader of Government Business and Public Utilities Minister, firmly stated that Persad-Bissessar has no need to apologize for her remarks, emphasizing that the UNC will not tolerate intimidation from any quarter. Padarath described the exchange as a response to what he termed ‘political molestation’ by Imbert, asserting that the Prime Minister stood up for herself and others who have faced similar denigration from the People’s National Movement (PNM). He highlighted a history of ‘disgusting and vile attacks’ by the PNM, questioning the silence of civil society during such incidents. The UNC Women’s League echoed Padarath’s sentiments, praising Persad-Bissessar for her strength and composure under provocation. They criticized the PNM Women’s League for demanding an apology, labeling it a misogynistic double standard. The league argued that the video evidence clearly showed Imbert’s behavior as the root of the conflict, characterizing it as ‘male intimidation’ rather than parliamentary debate. The incident unfolded during a debate on the virtual assets bill, where Persad-Bissessar and Imbert clashed over procedural matters. Imbert’s pointed remarks led to Persad-Bissessar’s sharp retort, ‘Because I will cuff you down,’ which has since become a focal point of the controversy. Padarath reiterated that the UNC will not apologize for defending itself, signaling a shift in the political dynamics of Trinidad and Tobago.
