Faris removed from Privileges Committee

Opposition Senator Faris Al-Rawi has been removed from the Privileges Committee, which is expected to commence its investigation into him and Opposition Senator Janelle John-Bates over their assistance in the preparation of a witness statement for former health minister Terrence Deyalsingh.

On May 1, Government Senator David Nakhid brought a matter of privilege in the Senate against Opposition Senators John-Bates and Al-Rawi over their involvement in a witness memorandum submitted to the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC).

The controversy arose after tracked changes and metadata within the document showed edits and input linked to both senators.

Senators vote 16 to 13 against John-Bates

THE Senate was yesterday asked to be guided by principle and take action on embattled Opposition Senator Janelle John-Bates, as the Government moved a motion to adopt the 'Special Report of the Joint Select Committee on National Security'.The motion was laid yesterday by Leader of Government Business in the Senate, attorney Darrell Allahar, who raised a concern over 'trust' and noted that the Opposition senator was 'still sitting here today'.

Last month John-Bates was accused of assisting former health minister Terrence Deyalsingh with altering a report which he submitted to a Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC). She admitted to the accusation, apologised for her action and tendered her resignation. However, Government ministers and senators expressed their reluctance in working with her on other committees.

John-Bates is a member on the Joint Select Committee on National Security (JSCNS).Allahar said a month had passed since the unfolding of events surrounding John-Bates' actions while she was a member of the PAAC, and questioned what actions were being taken by the Opposition People's National Movement (PNM). Allahar said John-Bates had offered her resignation, and that 'persons do not usually offer their resignation if they did not do anything wrong'.