Former UNC MP Condemns Sports Minister’s Remarks Targeting Female MPs

She also recalled previous incidents in which intimate images of female politicians were circulated publicly, pointing to her longstanding opposition to personal attacks against women, regardless of political affiliation. Haynes Alleyne criticised the Speaker of the House for failing, in her view, to intervene and address the relevance and appropriateness of the minister’s statements. She questioned why discussions about women’s appearance and private relationships were being introduced into a parliamentary debate intended to examine the country’s national budget. The former MP said the situation was particularly troubling given that Trinidad and Tobago currently has a female President, Prime Minister and Opposition Leader. “We cannot preach women’s empowerment on Monday and participate in their humiliation on Tuesday,” she declared. The remarks also drew objections from Opposition MP Kareem Marcelle and criticism from the PNM’s National Women’s League. The Women Parliamentarians of Trinidad and Tobago subsequently condemned sexual references and innuendo directed at female MPs, warning that such language could discourage women from seeking political office. The controversy has renewed debate about the standards expected of elected representatives and whether political picong should be permitted to extend into personal attacks involving appearance, morality and private relationships. Haynes Alleyne’s position is clear: political disagreements should be fought over policies, performance and public accountability, not the personal lives of women serving in Parliament.