Opposition MP Barry Padarath has called on People’s National Movement (PNM) Ministers Darryl Smith and Colm Imbert to apologise to the Parliament and people of T&T for comments about him, which he heard during a parliamentary debate and allegedly in the parliament’s tea room, respectively, last Saturday.
Padarath has also challenged both to join him in an anti-bullying initiative in Iere Village next Wednesday.
“There will be no free passes on this matter for both ministers. I’ve copied the honourable Prime Minister indicating their failure to participate in the event should warrant their resignation, both as MPs and as government ministers, seeing they’ve failed to uphold the impartiality and sanctity of their offices,” Padarath said in a press release.
The move was Padarath’s response to Smith’s statement that he’d apologised to Padarath following his words “Princes(s), Princes(s)” during last Saturday’s budget debate in Parliament.
There had also been reports that Imbert claimed his Facebook site—which allegedly contained comments as well—was hacked. He said it was deactivated to install security.
The entire situation has caused a firestorm of anti-bullying protest, particularly on social media and by various groups, including lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) lobbies.
In Parliament on Thursday, Smith didn’t reply to a note sent to him on the issue by the T&T Guardian. But when the T&T Guardian approached him at the tea break that day, he said he’d apologised to Padarath and shook hands with him and “...we moved on...”
Smith had said the apology took place shortly after the incident and he’d also apologised the day when it happened. He said he “and Barry were okay...” and also apologised if he’d offended anyone else.
Yesterday, when T&T Guardian asked Padarath if he’d accepted Smith’s apology, Padarath claimed Smith didn’t “immediately apologise.” Padarath said Smith approached him on Thursday, introduced himself and said if Padarath was offended, then, “...I’m sorry.”
Padarath, in his letter, told Smith his remark in the Parliament was “insulting, degrading and demeaning to him and the Parliament. In light of your offensive statements, I request you apologise to the Parliament of T&T and the people of our nation.
“As minister responsible for Sport/Youth Affairs you’ve demonstrated your inability to uphold the oath of office you have taken. The youth of the nation come from diverse backgrounds and circumstances and therefore as a minister, you represent each and every one of them.”
Padarath said participation in the anti-bullying event at the Iere Village Government Primary School would demonstrate Smith’s commitment to equality for all.
“Your refusal to commit, attend or participate in this cause and beyond will constitute an indictment on your honesty with respect to representing all of the people and should warrant your resignation as a government minister and MP,” Padarath said.
He told Smith he’d copied the letter to Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley.
“I believe he (Rowley) too owes our nation a social responsibility to ensure you fulfil your mandate as minister of Government and MP,” Padarath said.
Padarath said the ministers’ reaction to the invitation would show the national community their commitment to tackling issues such as bullying.
He added, “This is a positive approach both ministers can attend if they’re truly interested in upholding the oath of office they took ‘to do right by all manner of people without fear, favour, affection or ill will.’”
Finance Minister: Matter closed
Padarath told Finance Minister Colm Imbert in his letter that he’d noted alleged “degrading, insulting comments” made about him, in “a vile, malicious manner,” on October 10 and he’d noted Imbert’s denial. Padarath alleged, however, that he heard Imbert make the same utterances in the parliament tea room on the same date.
“Several Parliamentarians can corroborate these exact utterances were made by you, as they too have reportedly heard the same,” Padarath alleged.
“You will recall that I then asked you in the (parliament) chamber why you were maligning my character on social media, to which you responded with a smile.”
Padarath said Imbert’s conduct was unbecoming of a representative of the people and Imbert should apologise to the Parliament and people. He said Imbert’s failure to attend the anti-bullying event would be an indictment on his ability to represent all the people and warrant his resignation as MP and minister.
He said the Prime Minister had a social responsibility to ensure Imbert maintained the highest standards of the office he holds.
“It is my hope the honourable Prime Minister does not and will not condone this type of behaviour,” he said.
Imbert, between Finance Committee proceedings yesterday, said the matter was closed and it had nothing to do with him. He said he made no remarks in or outside of Parliament and wasn’t aware of a letter from Padarath and the tea room claim.
“I know nothing of this. And this matter is closed,” Imbert told the T&T Guardian.
Smith didn’t answer calls yesterday.