Padarath, Browne argue over language

Dr Amery Browne, opposition senator during a press conference on June 9. - File photo by Faith Ayoung

MINISTER in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) Barry Padarath has rejected calls from opposition senator Dr Amery Browne for Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to moderate her language on the issue of Trinidad and Tobago's role with respect to ongoing US-Venezuela tensions in the Caribbean.

Browne made his comments at a news conference at the Opposition Leader's Office, Charles Street, Port of Spain on December 3.

In a statement, Padarath said Browne's comments reflect, "not only a profound mischaracterization of the Prime Minister’s statements but a startling display of selective outrage steeped in the very political contamination the PNM has long injected into national discourse."

He added, "The Opposition once again returns to its familiar refrain: blame Kamla. Morning, noon, and night. Whether it aligns with truth or not."

Padarath, who is also the government whip and Public Utilities Minister, said Browne is conveniently ignoring the vast catalogue of violent, incendiary, and deeply irresponsible language that has poured unchecked from his party’s leaders, ministers, and loyal activists.

"It is the PNM that has spent years polluting the political atmosphere with hostility, threats, and divisive rhetoric."

He said, "Dr Browne also remained silent when his former political leader and prime minister Dr Keith Rowley referred to women using the degrading term 'jamette', delivered the offensive 'a golf course is like a woman' comment, called citizens hyenas, and used the racially loaded phrase 'cotton-picking mind'.”

Padarath added, "The Prime Minister will 'cool it' when murders decline, illegal firearms stop flowing into our borders, drug trafficking networks are dismantled, human trafficking is eradicated, and citizens, of every race, religion, or political persuasion, feel safe in their homes and communities."

He said, "Until then, we will be turning up the heat, because TT deserves leadership that acts decisively, not leadership that hides behind contrived outrage while allowing political toxicity to flourish."

Violence or incitement to violence against any citizen, Padarath continued, is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable.

"We condemn it without reservation, no matter who attempts to justify it, enable it, or look away."

Padarath said, "It is time Senator Browne understands that the responsibility he wishes to place at the feet of the Prime Minister applies equally and perhaps more urgently to the leadership and membership of his own political party, where the true breeding ground of political venom exists."

In response to Padarath's statement, Browne said Persad-Bissessar, Padarath and various purveyors of insults amongst the UNC ranks appear to have been inspired by the worst aspects of vicious politics in the developed world.

"Gas-lighting, distractions, toxic language, and baseless allegations have become standard fare in the output of several current ministers and of Kamla Persad-Bissessar herself."

Browne said, "As a parliamentarian who has always sought to be prudent and restrained in my discourse, I draw inspiration from the constant wisdom of the Leader of the Opposition Penelope Beckles."

He added he draws hope from the many citizens "who understand exactly what is at stake with regard to the minds and spirits of the next generation."

Browne said, "TT is far better than the example being set by this current UNC (government)."

Government, he continued, seems either incapable of recognising the rabid polarisation this creates in a population, or it could be that they simply do not care.

"When combined with discriminatory mass firings and increasing food prices, this adds to the tension in the minds of in the population and gives the people a clear sense that this government has no real interest in improving the society."