Current regime breaching out their COVID-19 obligations: UNC

Trinidad and Tobago: The current Trinidad and Tobago regime are breaching their self-made COVID-19 rules and regulations, stated by UNC.

The government boycotted yesterday’s sitting of the House of Representatives because the Government is breaking the law – the same law they introduced and the same law to which the rest are subjected, declared by UNC.

Furthermore, UNC stated:

We have observed a pattern of this government breaking the law, covering up and lying.

Following the confirmation that the Prime Minister tested positive for Covid 19, as reported on Monday 5th April, and because the Prime Minister was present at the last Parliamentary sitting on March 26, 2021, Opposition Chief Whip, MP David Lee, wrote to the Speaker of the House requesting information regarding safety protocols undertaken.

At 12:30 p.m., we did not get the courtesy of a reply to the Chief Whip’s severe letter. This, we believe, was disrespectful but contemptuous of the well-being and health of all members of the House and all staff members at the Parliament.

Having no reply from the Speaker, our members, conscious of the law, and our oath to uphold the law, sent in letters requesting leave of absence 45 mins before the sitting. The Chair did not even acknowledge our request.

We have witnessed a blatant lawbreaking pattern lying by high officials related to conformity with the COVID regulations.

Today, both Stuart Young and Terrence Deyalsingh presented themselves in the Parliament when there is clear and irrefutable evidence that they have been in touch and the prime minister’s presence within the last 14 days. So, on this day, both Mr Young and Mr Deyalsingh have undermined and violated the law that every other citizen is expected to uphold.

According to Section 12 of the regulations, those persons who came into contact with the Prime Minister should be isolated.

12. (1) Where the outcome of a test conducted by the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) or by a private medical laboratory under regulation 11 shows that a person is suffering from the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the Minister of Health may give such directions as PM thinks fit, for–

(a) the restraint, segregation and isolation of that individual or any other person who, by exposure to infection from that individual, is likely to suffer from the 2019 Novel COVID-19 (2019-nCoV);

(b) the removal of an individual referred to in paragraph (a) to a public hospital or a designated facility; or

(c) the curative treatment of an individual referred to in paragraph (a).

There is one law for this government and another for everyone else.

There exists no dereliction of duty on the part of Members of the Opposition. 

There have been instances where close contact cases with positive cases were reported in constituency offices, and all proper processes were followed following the law.

The Opposition remains steadfast in our commitment to serving Trinidad and Tobago’s people as elected Members of the House of Representatives.

The government should have greater care for the citizens of this country and set a better example. We condemn the government for its flagrant violation of the law.

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