00:00The UNC is doubling down on its support for Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Bissassa despite criticism from the Law Association
00:07of Trinidad and Tobago over her remarks about the independent Senators.
00:11Deputy UNC political leader Jailene John says she stands firmly behind Passat-Bissassa.
00:17And she said, quote, I also condemn the Law Association's feeble attempt to curtail the Prime Minister's right to free
00:25speech.
00:26It seems the Law Association has forgotten the terms of the very Constitution which it selectively cites, end quote.
00:34Lat has called on the Prime Minister to withdraw what it described as disparaging remarks against independent Senators following the
00:41government's failure to secure their support for legislation.
00:45John, however, says, quote, at its core, the Constitution is meant to nurture democracy and protect fundamental rights.
00:51In case the Law Association needs a reminder, free speech is the lifeblood of democracy, end quote.
00:58She argues that politicians and public officials must be open to criticism, including Senators.
01:04John also rejects the suggestion that the Prime Minister should temper her language, adding, quote,
01:10no Senator since the times of ancient Roman Senate has ever been immune from criticism.
01:16Likewise, no leader should ever be muzzled from expressing her views, end quote.
01:21She goes further, describing politics as a battlefield of ideas and commentary.
01:27John says the UNC will continue its fight on crime, framing the issues as one affecting victims and vulnerable families.
01:34She said, quote, strong language and genders, strong debate, and the UNC will never retreat from a fight on behalf
01:42of innocent lives,
01:43weeping mothers and vulnerable families terrorized by criminals, which the PNM failed to protect, end quote.
01:50John also questioned the independence of independent Senators, pointing to their appointment by President Christine Kangaloo,
01:57who previously served as a PNM Minister, MP, and Senator.
02:01She argues, quote, so when the independent bench votes in a manner that appears remarkably consistent with that very gospel,
02:09is it unreasonable for the public and the Honorable Prime Minister to question the independence being claimed, end quote.
02:16The independent Senators, meanwhile, have defended their constitutional role,
02:20arguing that disagreement with the government is part of the function of an independent Senate bench.
02:27And John ends her response by invoking the late Calybsonian Sparrow, quoting from good citizen,
02:33to reinforce her argument that criticism of those in authority is part of democratic life.
02:39For the UNC deputy political leader, the message is clear.
02:43The party will not retreat from the political fight over the independent Senators,
02:47the government's crime legislation, or the Prime Minister's right to express her views.
02:53Ravishita Wari, Rupnarein, TV6 News.
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