UNC fearful to attend sitting of House of Representatives as PM Rowley tests positive

United National Congress, the leading opposition in Trinidad and Tobago, stated that as Prime Minister Keith Rowley has tested positive for COVID-19, safety protocols for the upcoming sitting of the House of Representatives have become imperative.

UNC has written a letter to Bridgid Annisette-George, Speaker of the House of Representatives Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, to review the safety of all members and staff.

"We in the Opposition implore you to examine all avenues and possibilities to protect the well-being of those required to be in Parliament on Friday 9th April 2021." added Opposition in the letter.

UNC stated that for the duration of the prevailing pandemic, the parliament had instituted stringent measures to protect both members of parliament and staff.

However, UNC stated that the situation before the opposition is much more serious than it was in the past as the prime minister has become the first sitting member of parliament to test positive for the COVID-19 virus.

United National Congress also stated that PM Rowley attended a parliamentary sitting on March 26th, where he interacted with members seated close to him.

UNC showed concern on PM Rowley's meetings with the minister of health at a press conference on March 27th, at a function with the minister of energy on March 24th, as well as a meeting with the minister of foreign Affairs on March 25th.

"All of these interactions fall within the fourteen (14) day incubation period of the COVID-19 virus." added opposition of Trinidad and Tobago.

UNC stated that the events place all members of parliament and parliamentary staff in a conundrum as it is not fully clear how many other members of the lower house would have come into contact with the Prime Minister as primary contacts or as secondary contacts.

"There is an urgent need for assurance that all steps are being taken to ensure that Members who may have come into contact with the Prime Minister, either primary or secondary, will adhere to the Health regulations to prevent any outbreak within our parliament," added UNC.