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A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament (MP) Winston Felix had asked the PM to respond, in his capacity as a member of the Defence Board and Leader of Government Business in the House.
The questioner wanted to know when government would lay in Parliament the report, by the Capita-Symonds Consultancy group on the Citizen Security Programme, that was made public on December 31, 2012.
Hinds, however, in requesting that the query be sent to Rohee, said the matter falls under the portfolio of the latter.
“He is most ready, willing, able and helpful,” the Prime Minister stated, referring to Rohee.
Nevertheless, the opposition side remained adamant that Rohee should not be allowed to speak since a no-confidence motion against him had been passed in the House.
“We must understand that Parliament, as an arm of government, passed a resolution in this House which is to be honoured by this Parliament. The minister can’t speak, not in this Parliament. The resolution said so. We have a vote of no- confidence in him and we have a decision of the Speaker of this House,” Felix insisted.
The former Police Commissioner said, therefore, it is only proper that the question be directed to the PM who has responsibility as the Leader of Government Business in Parliament and is a member of the Defence Board.
Interjected
Government Chief Whip Gail Teixeira interjected, citing Standing Order 17 which states that questions may be put to a minister relating to responsibility with which he/she has been assigned.
She stressed that, while the PM is Leader of the House responsible for government business, the assignation of a question must be based on sectoral responsibility and, consequently, should be directed to the Home Affairs Minister as it is not the area for which the PM is responsible.
“The minister, whether he is allowed to speak by resolution or not, is the person to whom the question must be presented,” she reiterated.
Teixeira further suggested that, if the opposition members are so concerned about the matter in question, then it must be put into written form for a written answer from Minister Rohee.
Acting Speaker Deborah Backer noted, though, that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Chief Whip could only suggest to a member what should be done but cannot direct them to do anything.
Backer said the PM has indicated his unpreparedness to answer, which brings that question to an end as he is the one to whom it was posed.
“The Prime Minister has declined to answer and the Honourable Member has indicated that, in his opinion, he feels that the Prime Minister is the proper person,” she added.
