Opposition condemns ‘unfair attacks’ on Independent senators after Teemal’s death

Senior Reporter

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Opposition Senator Dr Amery Browne has expressed disappointment over what he described as a “sustained and unfair” campaign of criticism against Independent Senator Anthony Vieira, SC, and the Independent bench, following the death of Senator Deoroop Teemal.

Speaking at the Red House yesterday after signing the condolence book alongside Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles and other People’s National Movement (PNM) members, Browne paid tribute to Teemal’s calm and dignified presence in the Senate.

“It’s very unfortunate that in the last few months of his service, he, along with other members of the independent bench, was the recipient of very unfair, derogatory, denigrating attacks—not one-off, but consistent—coming from the United National Congress, their public relations officer, and other leading figures in the UNC,” Browne said.

He warned that such political hostility could discourage future appointments to the bench, adding that President Christine Kangaloo now faces a difficult task in finding a replacement.

“Criticism is one thing, but a campaign of pressure designed to alter the independence of one’s voice and disrespect one’s constitutional role is another. This should not be acceptable in a democratic society,” he said.

Despite the “toxic climate,” Browne expressed hope that others of Teemal’s calibre would still step forward to serve.

Beckles also paid tribute, describing Teemal as a principled and committed public servant whose contributions to culture—particularly through the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC)—deserve national recognition.

“I’ve known him for quite some time. He’s a gentleman—calm, committed. His dedication went beyond East Indian culture to the cultural fabric of Trinidad and Tobago. An award is worthy of consideration,” she said.

Teemal’s sudden death at his St Augustine home early Sunday reignited debate over the treatment of Independent senators.

Independent Senator Anthony Vieira has claimed persistent public criticism, including from UNC officials, affected Teemal’s health.

In June, UNC PRO Dr Kirk Meighoo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar criticised the Independent bench for allegedly failing to support the Prime Minister’s Pension (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Vieira later said such pressure took a toll on Teemal and other senators.

Beckles defended the bench’s independence, questioning why political parties would attack senators for exercising their right to vote, abstain, or oppose.

“It’s obvious that the framers of the Constitution contemplated persons who would contribute to the debate with an independent mind,” she said.

Government officials, including Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Barry Padarath and Dr Meighoo, have accused Vieira of politicising Teemal’s death.

Teemal, 68, had served in the Senate since 2018 and was a former NCIC president. He is remembered for his composed contributions and dedication to national service.

Also signing the condolence book were PNM members Brian Manning, Vishnu Dhanpaul, Foster Cummings, Marvin Gonzales, Dominic Romain, Faris Al-Rawi, and Symon de Nobriga.