LEADER of the Opposition, Brigadier (rtd.) David Granger, disclosed yesterday at his party’s weekly press conference that disciplinary action against A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Vanessa Kissoon will not affect her presence when the National Assembly reconvenes.

At the press conference held at the Opposition Leader’s Office, Granger, though short, responded in the negative when asked if Kissoon’s presence in the National Assembly was likely to be affected.

The APNU Parliamentarian was suspended in June this year by the Central Executive Committee of the party’s main contingent, the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), reportedly following a verbal confrontation between herself and PNCR General Secretary Oscar Clarke; and this might have led to disciplinary action being taken against her.

Sources indicate that Kissoon, a Region 10 representative in the National Assembly who had been at the forefront of the Linden protests two years ago, reportedly “did not mix words as she told the General Secretary off” during their fiery exchange. This led to Clarke thinking he had been disrespected and lodged a formal complaint with the leadership of the PNCR and, as such, the decision was made to suspend Kissoon’s membership with the party.
Subsequently, Opposition Leader and Leader of the PNCR, David Granger, confirmed that the suspension that he had imposed on Kissoon had been lifted, and she was free to participate in party events.

Earlier this year, also, Kissoon, who is serving her second term as a Member of Parliament, was unknowingly dumped in the back bench, following another issue with the APNU leadership.

Accordingly, concerns were sparked as to whether Kissoon’s presence in the National Assembly would be affected, considering the confrontations she had thus far been involved in with the party. (Ravin Singh)