Senators press PM to identify two accused of favours

Senators renew calls for PM to name two accused of seeking personal favours Independent Senator Dr Marlene Attzs and Opposition Senator Dr Margaret Satya Rose have renewed calls for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to identify the two Independent Senators she alleged sought personal favours in exchange for supporting the Zones of Special Operations Bill. The calls came as senators returned to Parliament, with attention again turning to the controversial allegations and the Government’s proposed ZOSO legislation. Persad-Bissessar made the allegation in January after the ZOSO Bill failed to secure the required majority in the Senate. She alleged that two Independent Senators had sought personal favours in exchange for supporting the legislation. The two senators have not been publicly identified. Speaking outside Parliament ahead of the Senate sitting, Attzs said time had passed since the allegation was made without evidence being presented publicly. “I think some time has passed and perhaps positions have been modified and softened somewhat because there’s been no evidence that has been brought into the public space,” Attzs said. She renewed calls for the matter to be referred to the police. Attzs also indicated that she is prepared to consider revised ZOSO legislation, but said she wants to see what amendments are made before determining whether she can support it. Opposition Senator Dr Margaret Satya Rose, who replaced Janelle John-Bates and was not a member of the Senate at the time of the original controversy, also criticised the Prime Minister’s statement. Rose said it was inappropriate to cast such allegations over Independent Senators without publicly providing information about who was allegedly involved. She argued that if the alleged conduct occurred, citizens should be told which senators were involved and the matter should also be referred to the police. The controversy has remained unresolved since the Prime Minister first made the allegations, with renewed calls now being made for the identities of the two senators and any supporting information to be disclosed. The Government is expected to return to the ZOSO legislation with amendments, while senators will have an opportunity to consider the revised provisions before determining their positions.