Independent senators have strongly rejected a serious allegation by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar that two members of the Independent bench attempted to seek personal favours in exchange for supporting the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSO) Bill.
Independent Senators Anthony Vieira and Francis Lewis have challenged the Prime Minister to publicly identify the individuals involved, if her claims are true.
The ZOSO legislation was defeated in the Senate on Tuesday night after failing to secure the required support of the Independent bench. When the vote was taken, all 15 Government senators voted in favour, while 14 senators voted against—comprising eight of the nine Independent senators and six Opposition senators. Independent Senator Courtney Mc Nish abstained.
Although Persad-Bissessar initially said she was not surprised by the bill’s defeat, she escalated her criticism the following day, making an allegation widely interpreted as tantamount to bribery.
In a post on X titled “My Government will not buy votes,” the Prime Minister claimed that during the debate, two of the President’s Senators approached a senior Government senator seeking personal favours in exchange for their support and assistance in securing the remaining votes needed for passage. She said those requests were rejected and added, “They know who they are. They must live with that shame.”
When contacted by Guardian Media, the Prime Minister declined to identify the senators involved. Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Senator Darrell Allahar, also refused to name anyone, responding instead, “Why don’t you ask each of them? GML loves to report their vapid comments in preference to others. They know who they are.”
Guardian Media subsequently contacted all nine Independent senators for comment.
Independent Senator Sophia Chote denied any involvement, stating that she neither approached nor was approached by any Government senator. She said she was unaware of the Prime Minister’s comments and declined to be drawn into what she described as a media-driven debate over social media statements.
Independent Senator Anthony Vieira described the allegation as an attempt to “gaslight, destabilise and discredit” the Independent bench. He said that if there was evidence of wrongdoing, it should be produced openly and tested properly, and if not, the allegations should be withdrawn.
“The Independent bench will not be bullied into compliance,” Vieira said, adding that senators would continue to assess legislation on its merits and act in the best interests of Trinidad and Tobago.
Senator Francis Lewis also categorically denied the accusation, calling it “surprising and dismaying.” He said any suggestion of improper conduct was a serious matter and stressed that if evidence existed, it should be formally presented.
“This bill failed because it did not command a majority in the Senate,” Lewis said, adding that vague accusations made after the fact did little to strengthen public confidence in institutions.
Senator Courtney Mc Nish likewise dismissed the claim, stating bluntly that he had not sought any favour in exchange for his vote. He said attacks on the Independent bench had intensified following the bill’s defeat and addressed allegations circulating about his professional work, insisting his employment predated his appointment as a senator.
Independent Senators Dr Desiree Murray and Alicia Lalite-Etienne declined to comment, while Dr Marlene Attzs, Simon De la Bastide, and Candice Jones-Simmons could not be reached.
In her X post, Persad-Bissessar criticised what she described as a “fake ‘eat-a-food’ elite,” accusing them of prioritising self-interest over the needs of ordinary citizens. She also defended the ZOSO legislation, arguing that it was intended to limit and replace the use of a State of Emergency, which her government could have otherwise reintroduced.
She concluded by criticising the PNM, saying they were celebrating the bill’s failure without understanding its implications.
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