UDP Defends House Meeting Boycott

The United Democratic Party defended its decision to boycott Friday’s House sitting during today’s press conference. Leader of the Opposition, Tracy Panton, described it as an act of conscience against corruption.

Panton’s caucus remains resolute, saying, “The UDP via its Parliamentarians will not allow the government to use the national Assembly and to use the House of Representatives as a rubber stamp for corruption.”

Friday’s boycott was sparked by concerns over BTL’s proposed $80 million acquisition of Speednet/SMART. Panton pointed out the need for parliamentary scrutiny.

She questioned Prime Minister John Briceño’s claim that he was unaware of BTL’s dealings with his family company while now instructing a pause on the acquisition.

She also said, “The prime minister, who knew nothing of this deal, did not know that BTL was talking to his family company. But he now knows that he is directing; the prime minister of this country has inserted himself to direct a pause on a deal he knew nothing about.”

“The UDP parliamentarians will not be treated like kunumunu,” she added.

However, the absence of opposition lawmakers on Friday left space for a rally-like gathering of PUP supporters outside the newly renovated National Assembly. Secretary General Collet Montejo said the crowd was there to celebrate the opening of the renovated House and to show general support for party leaders. Party Chairman Henry Charles Usher added that the supporters were there to back the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Bill. A large crowd, including Pickstock Street captain Shaheed Hauze, said their presence was specifically to support the BTL acquisition under scrutiny.