分类： politics

In a definitive judgment reinforcing the separation of powers, the Trinidad and Tobago High Court has emphatically dismissed a judicial review claim brought by United National Congress (UNC) activist Ravi Balgobin Maharaj. The case centered on former House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George’s refusal to incorporate Maharaj’s written rebuttal into the official parliamentary record following statements made about him during legislative proceedings.

Justice Joan Charles, delivering her November 26 ruling, determined that the Speaker’s decision—made pursuant to Standing Order 18 of the House of Representatives’ Standing Orders—falls squarely within Parliament’s exclusive domain over its internal affairs. This jurisdiction, the court affirmed, enjoys constitutional protection from judicial interference.

The court recognized that Trinidad and Tobago’s Constitution expressly incorporates all privileges and immunities of the United Kingdom parliament into its own House of Representatives. Justice Charles concurred with arguments presented by state attorneys that the Speaker’s determination did not constitute an infringement of Maharaj’s fundamental rights and remained shielded by parliamentary privilege.

“The Speaker of the House of Representatives serves as the sole adjudicator regarding the interpretation and application of Standing Orders,” Justice Charles stated in her written decision. “Matters concerning the veracity or basis of members’ statements lie beyond the Speaker’s purview—and consequently outside judicial review.”

The legal challenge emerged from Maharaj’s contention that remarks delivered in Parliament had damaged his reputation and that the Speaker’s refusal to allow his response violated his constitutional right to legal protection and natural justice. He sought declarations that the May 2024 decisions were unfair, irrational, and unconstitutional.

However, the court emphasized that Standing Order 18—which permits non-members referenced in debate to submit written responses—explicitly prohibits the Speaker from evaluating the truthfulness of either the original statements or the rebuttal. This procedural mechanism, Justice Charles noted, exists primarily as an internal parliamentary accommodation rather than a legally enforceable right.

Representing the state, Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes and Deborah Peake successfully argued that judicial examination of the Speaker’s motives would violate constitutional separation of powers. The court agreed, dismissing both the claim and leave application while directing parties to submit cost arguments within 30 days.

The ruling reinforces the autonomy of parliamentary proceedings throughout Commonwealth jurisdictions and establishes significant precedent regarding the limits of judicial intervention in legislative affairs.

In a recent development in Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament, Attorney General John Jeremie has been referred to the Privileges Committee over comments made during a ‘hot mic’ moment in the Lower House. Oropouche East MP Dr. Roodal Moonilal has dismissed the referral as ‘trivial and frivolous,’ emphasizing that such banter is commonplace in parliamentary proceedings. Speaking at his constituency office in Debe on November 26, Moonilal, a former leader of government business, recalled his own participation in similar exchanges over the years. He argued that the country faces more pressing issues than what he termed ‘irrelevant and useless escapades.’

Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales, however, defended the referral, stating that it was necessary to address AG Jeremie’s persistent use of derogatory language in Parliament. Gonzales cited an instance where Jeremie was overheard saying, ‘Hush your mouth, boy, why you ain’t take your little man?’ Moonilal responded by noting that all MPs have the right to raise matters of privilege, but the final decision rests with the Speaker.

In a separate but related matter, Moonilal commented on the recent visit by General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, to Trinidad and Tobago. While he deferred to the Prime Minister and relevant ministers on national security issues, Moonilal expressed optimism about the high-level discussions on regional security. He highlighted the serious threats posed by narco-traffickers and drug cartels in the Caribbean, underscoring the importance of such diplomatic engagements.

In a landmark political shift, St. Vincent and the Grenadines has elected Dr. Goodwin Friday and his New Democratic Party (NDP) to power, ending Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ 24-year administration. Preliminary results from the November 27 general election indicate the NDP secured a decisive victory, capturing 11 of the 15 parliamentary seats and preventing Gonsalves from achieving an unprecedented sixth consecutive term.

Dr. Friday, 66, a political science doctorate holder and 23-year parliamentary veteran representing North Grenadines, will assume leadership following this electoral upset. The victory mirrors regional political patterns, notably Trinidad and Tobago’s recent transition where Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s UNC party similarly moved from opposition to government last April.

Persad-Bissessar publicly congratulated Friday, stating on social media: “I commend the citizens of Saint Vincent for upholding the highest ideals of democracy. May God bless the newly elected government as they begin this new chapter of service.”

The campaign was marked by significant controversy as Gonsalves, 79, alleged foreign interference attempts. Two days before voting, he accused Trinidadian lawyers of collaborating with the NDP to ‘rig’ the election and warned about unauthorized foreign campaigners. These claims emerged alongside domestic scandals involving Gonsalves’ family property acquisitions in Trinidad, currently under investigation by housing authorities.

Reuters reports the election presented a “clear ideological contrast” between parties. While Gonsalves’ Unity Labour Party advocated maintaining existing foreign policies, including support for Venezuela’s Maduro regime, Friday’s NDP campaigned on strengthening ties with China and implementing Citizenship by Investment programs.

Despite his party’s overall defeat, Gonsalves reportedly retained his personal parliamentary seat in the Windward constituency, ensuring his continued political presence despite the broader administration change.

Chief Secretary Farley Augustine of the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has confirmed that a US Air Force aircraft refueled at the ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago on November 26, but he remains unaware of any broader US military presence on the island. The aircraft’s early morning departure at 5:53 am from Crown Point airport startled local residents, with one anonymous source describing the loud noise as initially mistaken for rain. Augustine stated that he is investigating the incident, emphasizing that he only learned of it through social media and WhatsApp groups. He acknowledged ongoing collaboration between the Trinidad and Tobago (TT) government and the US but sought further details on the aircraft’s purpose. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar clarified that there are no US military forces or assets in TT, and her government has not been asked to support any military action against Venezuela. This statement came amid speculation following recent joint training exercises with US troops, which were scheduled to end on November 21. Persad-Bissessar also addressed concerns about US military vessels, stating they are in international waters. She reiterated her administration’s focus on anti-trafficking cooperation with the US and denied any discussions about Venezuela during her meeting with General Dan Caine, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Prime Minister dismissed fears of regional instability, urging calm and emphasizing her government’s commitment to the people of Venezuela. Venezuelan activist Yesenia González, who presented Persad-Bissessar with a bouquet of flowers, expressed confidence in US protection for TT, stating, ‘America will protect Trinidad. They will never allow anything bad to happen here.’