Former AG: No need for new law to break THA deadlock
Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj
FORMER attorney general Ramesh Maharaj says there is no need for any new laws to break the six-six Tobago House of Assembly (THA) deadlock, as current legislation already provides for that.
He called on THA clerk Myrna McLeod to follow section 92 of the THA standing orders.
Maharaj held a virtual press conference on Friday afternoon to discuss how the THA should move forward from the election tie between the PNM and the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP).
Because of the deadlock, neither a presiding officer nor a chief secretary has been chosen. The assemblymen from both parties have failed to elect a presiding officer three times.
Assemblymen vote but Presiding officer still not selected cnc3.co.tt - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from cnc3.co.tt Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj -
FORMER attorney general Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj has said he regrets his recent comments on issues surrounding the six-six Tobago House of Assembly (THA) deadlock, as it gave the impression he was blaming the PNM.
Last week, Maharaj was quoted in the Guardian as saying the deadlock between the PNM and the Progressive Democratic Patriots (PDP) in the THA election could have been dealt with easily, had the PNM not opposed to granting autonomy to Tobago in 1996.
He was referring to a parliamentary debate on the THA Act.
He had said, “It was a different piece of legislation, but the PNM, at that time, said they were not supporting full internal self-government but within the Republic of TT.”
Kamla: Let Tobago resolve deadlock
Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar
OPPOSITION leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar does not support the solution outlined by the Prime Minister to resolve the existing deadlock in the Tobago House of Assembly.
In a statement to the media on Wednesday, Persad-Bissessar said she believes there is no need for fresh elections, or parliamentary and Elections and Boundaries Commission (EBC) intervention. She insists the government must allow Tobago to deal with its own affairs.
The People’s National Movement and the Progressive Democratic Patriots tied six-six in the January 25 THA election. It’s been over a week and the assemblymen have been unable to agree on a candidate for presiding officer and chief secretary.
PDP takes legal action against THA clerk cnc3.co.tt - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from cnc3.co.tt Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.