Opposition MPs mount legal challenge against House suspensions
Eight APNU+AFC parliamentarians have now initiated legal action, challenging their suspension over an unruly protest action they led in the House last year to thwart the passage of the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Act.
From left: MPs Annette Ferguson, Christopher Jones, Ganesh Mahipaul, Sherod Duncan and Natasha Singh-Lewis
From left: MPs Vinceroy Jordan, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley, and Maureen PhiladelphiaIn the Fixed Date Application seen by this publication, the members have regarded the decision taken by the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges as “unconstitutional, null, void and of no legal effect”. The members are the Opposition’s Chief Whip, Christopher Jones and the coalition’s MPs, Sherod Duncan, Natasha Singh-Lewis, Annette Ferguson, Vinceroy Jordan. The MPs were seen shouting and blowing whistles in the House during the debate last year.
There was also a scuffle that ensued, which resulted in the forcible removal of the Mace. Reports of damage to property were also made.
The application was filed by the “shadow” Legal Affairs Minister and Opposition MP, Roysdale Forde, S.C., AFC’s Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, and attorney Selwyn Pieters.
The respondents have been listed as the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall; the House Speaker, Manzoor Nadir; and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs.
The MPs allege that their suspension breached the “audio alteram partem” rule since, according to them, they were not afforded the right to appear before the committee. The MPs claim also, that natural justice was breached since they were not given the opportunity to defend themselves.
The motion calling for their suspension was brought by the government’s Cheif Whip, Gail Teixeira, who accused the opposition MPs of gross disorderly conduct, contempt and breaches of privileges. Teixeira is a member of the Privileges Committee.
Below is a copy of the application issued by MP Ganesh Mahipaul: