NFP raises concerns after a motion on COVID-19 response inquiry gets rejected by the Parliamentary Business Committee

The National Federation Party says the rejection of a motion on COVID-19 response inquiry is a mockery of parliamentary democracy.

NFP General Secretary Seni Nabou says in a statement that the motion, which was vetted by the Speaker and Parliament’s Tables Office as well as the Secretariat and approved to be listed on the Order Paper, was rejected by the Business Committee that met yesterday.

She says this is after strong objection by Government’s four members on the Business Committee that included the Prime Minister and the Attorney General.

Nabou adds following a tie in the number of votes, four from the Opposition voting for the motion’s inclusion and four Government members opposing it, the Speaker ruled that the motion, which was put on the Order Paper would be ruled out.

The NFP's General Secretary says this goes against every fibre of democratic norms.

She says it is obvious that the Government is fearful of a debate on its plan to win the war against the pandemic.

Nabou adds the motion to be moved by NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad was for a special parliamentary committee to analyse, assess and report on the effectiveness of the Health Ministry’s response to the COVID-19 emergency.

She says people are dying, the health system is unable to cope with the massive pressures resulting in it massively downscaling the testing.

The NFP further says the three 40 feet long containers converted into mortuaries outside CWM Hospital is a painful reminder of this unprecedented disaster.

When contacted for a response on the issues highlighted by the NFP, the Government Whip, Alvick Maharaj referred all questions to the Chair of the Business Committee.

We have also contacted the Parliament Secretariat for a response.