NDP returns to Parliament, holds heated debate

After missing three consecutive meetings of Parliament, the New Democratic Party (NDP) turned up in their numbers at the House of Assembly last week Thursday, where they debated the Petrocaribe (Special Purpose) Fund Bill, 2016.

The heated debate over the Bill, which Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said was drafted to provide for the establishment and proper administration of the Petrocaribe Special Purpose Fund and for connected purposes,{{more}} sometimes took other paths, as both sides argued their points.

The NDP’s Member of Parliament for West Kingstown Daniel Cummings said that the Bill has severe implications for St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) and NDP’s presence in Parliament was to bring the negative aspects of the Bill to light.

But, in response to the criticisms, the Prime Minister said there has been propaganda and distortions about the Petrocaribe project and the extent of the indebtedness of SVG and these things have been addressed.

In relation to the Bill, Gonsalves noted: “Every single item of expenditure is approved by Cabinet and spent accordingly This Bill will ensure that a full and proper account is made of all of those with a legislative framework, but always done on the authority of the Cabinet.”

He noted also that negotiations have commenced within the OECS, “for us to restructure debt and there is an important provision in this Bill for the restructuring of the debt….I am playing the leading role in this matter and I have written to the other four governments involved in Petrocaribe.”

Commenting, Member of Parliament for Central Kingstown St Clair Leacock said that the question of the Petrocaribe is of great importance and when it is said in Parliament that a fund will be set up, so that we can be more responsible, that leaves an assertion of mismanagement.

He said that to him, this seems an admission that Petrocaribe was being used a slush fund.

“That is my interpretation,” stressed Leacock, who added that to summarize, Petrocaribe will leave him to think that all is not well with Government behaviour, which he described as unlawful.

“…..as lawmakers, we cannot also be lawbreakers, we are flying in the face of the Constitution,” said Leacock, who thinks that the Parliament has been made to adopt an incorrect document that misleads people.

“…the Constitution says that all monies provided should go into the Consolidated Fund and we are trying to lock the barn when the horse has bolted,” said Leacock, who described the Bill as dangerous.

The Petrocaribe (Special Purpose) Fund Bill was one of four bills passed at the meeting of Parliament on June 23. The Opposition members of Parliament did not support the measure.(LC)