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SENATE President Christine Kangaloo on Tuesday told the Senate she was satisfied with Opposition Senator Jearlean John's personal explanation for her remarks in a Newsday story on December 9 headlined: Jearlean John upset at Independents' vote on the Procurement Bill.
Kangaloo said it was not necessary for John to go before the Privileges Committee.
Last Thursday, Independent Senator Paul Richards brought a contempt motion against John for her remarks to Newsday on last Tuesday’s vote on a bill to amend the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Amendment) Bill 2020.
John had complained about Independent Senator Dr Maria Dillon-Remy voting for the government bill, and the other independents abstaining instead of voting against it.
John, in a personal explanation, told the Senate she had meant no harm, but was simply reflecting public concern on the bill.
“There were very strong public statements and severe public criticisms on the bill. I, along with my Opposition colleagues, joined this heightened public concern about the bill.
"It is in this context and immediately following the debate I made some remarks.
“I advise that at no time did I mean any harm or ill will or disrespect to any independent senator and by extension the Senate.
“In this regard, I humbly apologise to Senator Dr Maria Dillon-Remy, to you Madam President, and to the Senate for the criticism made. I thank you.”
Kangaloo then rose immediately to rule on Richards’ motion against John.
“The senator (Richards) alleges that statements made by Senator John sought to undermine the integrity of Senator Dillon-Remy, lower her estimation in the general public, as well as cast aspersions on her character," she said.
“It is my role as guardian of the privileges of this Senate to balance the freedom of speech and comment of members while protecting the improper obstruction of Parliament’s functions.
“While senators have the liberty to freely express their views, particularly on matters of significant national interest, this liberty ought not to be abused by directly or indirectly imputing motives to any member of Parliament.
“In light of the personal explanation proffered by Senator John earlier, I will not be referring Senator John to the Committee of Privileges. In this particular case, Senator John’s personal explanation has enabled this Senate to avoid having to pursue this matter further."
She added, "It is of course not only eminently sensible but it is the duty and responsibility of all honourable senators to avoid making statements which can be interpreted as constituting improper reflections on the character and conduct of the members of this Senate or which otherwise might have the tendency to bring this Senate and its members into disrepute.”
Passed in the Senate by 16 votes for, six votes against and with eight abstentions, the bill exempts government-to-government deals and private-public partnerships from the 2015 pProcurement Act, plus legal, financial, accounting/auditing, medical and “any other service” the minister determines by order, subject to Parliament's oversight.
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