Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan is of the firm conviction that the PPP’s Oneidge Walrond should be made to pay the legally prescribed fine of approximately $200,000 after the court found that she was a US citizen at the time she was sworn in as Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce.
The Opposition Member made this comment, among others during a press conference that was held virtually this morning. There, Ramjattan recalled that Chief Justice (Ag) Roxane George-Wiltshire ruled yesterday that the Minister was not a lawful member of the National Assembly in light of her dual citizen status.
The decision was handed down following the admission by the Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall admitted that Walrond’s appointment as a Technocrat Minister occurred before she renounced her American citizenship. Nandlall said that the error has since been corrected.
Ramjattan said that the admission by the AG is a frightening sign, to say the least, that the nation is clearly being run by a full blown autocracy that is using its one seat majority to do whatever it wants. The former Minister said, “…This regime is operating under the mistaken belief that the western powers are enarmoured by them and that will turn a blind eye to their daily atrocities and violations. Where are the hypocritical champions of democracy?”
In light of the ruling by the Chief Justice (Ag ), Ramjattan said he expects that the Parliament will take action and ensure that Walrond is made to pay financial penalties as prescribed in the law. He stressed that the tenants of good governance and the principles of the Constitution must be upheld.
During the period that was open for questions from the media, the AFC was reminded that while the government has said corrective actions have been taken, the APNU is still going after Walrond for the repayment of all salaries she received while sitting illegally in the National Assembly. Nandlall has made it clear however that if such a recourse is taken, he would go after every APNU+AFC member that squatted in the House and received salaries. Nandlall also stressed that Walrond is covered by the De Facto Doctrine and the Doctrine of Necessity.
Irrespective of the views expressed by the Attorney General, Ramjattan told the media corps today that he firmly believes the salaries for Walrond should be returned since the court had ruled unequivocally on the matter that a dual citizen cannot occupy a seat in parliament.
“These things have a repercussion…There are penalties to be paid and she must, and we cant have a violation of the Constitution,” Ramjattan concluded.
