Budget debates…Speaker orders Manickchand to apologize for “highly improper” comment

Apr 02, 2014 News

– APNU MP mulls legal action
Yesterday, as A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)’s Volda Lawrence was highlighting her coalition’s concern over men who escape punishment by law for statutory rape, Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand shouted, “Ask your APNU member Sharma about that.”
Immediately, members of the National Assembly noted that Manickchand had taken her heckling too far and that her statement was “atrocious.”

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

When the Education Minister made her comment, APNU parliamentarian Jaipaul Sharma, asked that an apology be made with regard to the comment.
Immediately, Speaker of the House, Raphael Trotman, explained to Sharma that the Minister had gone further than what he (Sharma) had heard.
“Mr. Sharma, she went beyond that to say, ‘ask your APNU Member Jaipaul Sharma’ and I would like to ask Ms. Manickchand to apologize. I know you are capable of apologizing.”
To this the Education Minister retorted, “I’m in a bit of a tight position there and I will tell you why. Normally I wouldn’t refuse to heed your advice, but I am a mother and…”
Trotman who seemed to be peeved at this point interrupted her and in a firm voice said, “Miss Manickchand I would not recognize you on any day when you are speaking in Parliament during the debates if that is the attitude you are going to take.”
Trotman’s statement was then welcomed by way of applause from members of the House.
Manickchand then tried to deny her statements by saying that she was not referring to Sharma. This seemed to further annoy the Speaker who then said, “Miss Manickchand you said ‘Ask the APNU member and that was out of order… It was out of order and we said that we would refrain from bringing in people’s family …I have deemed it to be highly improper and I am asking you to issue an apology.
“You can decide if you don’t want to apologize.”
The Minister then returned to her seat without issuing the apology. Sharma who spoke with this publication informed that he is grossly disappointed in the Minister’s “unprofessional behaviour” and if scope provides, he would take legal action.
“I felt it was very unprofessional for her to say that. I feel hurt because she is pointing fingers at me and this matter is before the court. C.N. Sharma is my father, but I don’t think I should be crucified for something that is alleged against him. It is not only damaging to me and my father but also to the APNU.”
“She is getting bolder and bolder and she wants to stir up trouble. I believe it was an orchestrated attempt and I am annoyed. Imagine she prefers to not be recognized during the debates than to offer an apology. It speaks volumes about this woman who is responsible for education. She is setting a bad example to the young boys and girls.”

APNU MP Jaipaul Sharma

The Member of Parliament added, “I requested a copy of the Constitution to just look at Article 172 which speaks about privileges. Members of Parliament are allowed certain privileges and they cannot be prosecuted for anything said or written in the House, but it is important to note that she was not doing either of the two.
“It was an atrocious statement and she may not be protected. I will take action for damage to my character. If it allows, legal action will be taken and I am sure my father will want to take legal action.”
Ms. Lawrence led off yesterday’s debates with her presentation. She spoke of several concerns, including the fact that the 2014 budget lacked a proper plan for the improvement of the lives of the elderly.
“It also highlighted the lack of a protection plan for vulnerable girls who are in some cases exploited in pornographic films.”