![\"Basdeo](\"http:\/\/www.trinidadandtobagonews.com\/blogimg\/panday3.jpg\")
Pandemonium broke out in the Lower House yesterday as Speaker Barendra Sinanan suspended Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday for using his laptop without permission. <\/p>\nBy Anthony Milne
\nSaturday 29th March, 2008<\/i> <\/p>\n
Pandemonium broke out in the Lower House yesterday as Speaker Barendra Sinanan suspended Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday for using his laptop without permission. <\/p>\n
The Speaker relied on Standing Order 43 (12) to suspend Panday and the sitting ended at 2.15 pm, 45 minutes after it started. <\/p>\n
Following the order paper, government ministers answered questions and then it was time for debate on a private motion on rising food prices brought by Naparima MP Nizam Baksh.
\n
\nSinanan said: \u201cBefore I put the question, I wish to remind members of a circular I gave on February 25, concerning the use of electronic devices. <\/p>\n
\u201cI also wish to remind you of the rule that for the use of such technology, members must seek the permission of the Speaker before using such devices during debate,\u201d he added. <\/p>\n
An Opposition member shouted: \u201cA backward approach!\u201d <\/p>\n
The Speaker continued: \u201cSecondly, if permission is granted, use must be confined to refreshing one\u2019s mind or seeking notes or making amendments to notes during debate, and the member must intend to respond on the date for which permission was sought.\u201d <\/p>\n
He had noticed that the Couva North MP Panday had a laptop computer on his desk. <\/p>\n
\u201cHon Member for Couva North, are you contributing to the debate before this House today?\u201d the Speaker asked. <\/p>\n
Panday looked away and remained silent, as crosstalk rose. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf he is not contributing to the debate today, and he has not asked permission to use his computer for the purpose of contributing to the debate today, I am asking him to put away the computer,\u201d the Speaker declared. Related News:<\/i><\/strong><\/p>\n Sunday, March 30th 2008<\/i><\/p>\n Panday says he’s prepared for jail<\/a> Former speakers weigh in on Panday suspension<\/a><\/p>\n PM: We won’t save Panday<\/a> Clear case of disrespect<\/a> Saturday, March 29th 2008<\/i><\/p>\n Bas defies Speaker<\/a><\/p>\n Bas Suspended from Parliament for using laptop<\/a> Opposition MPs plan to buck the Speaker<\/a> ‘Shame’ in the House<\/a> Bas vows to return<\/a> We’ll sue Speaker<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Anthony Milne Saturday 29th March, 2008 Pandemonium broke out in the Lower House yesterday as Speaker Barendra Sinanan suspended Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday for using his laptop without permission. The Speaker relied on Standing Order 43 (12) to suspend Panday and the sitting ended at 2.15 pm, 45 minutes after it started. Following the … Continue reading Basdeo Panday suspended over laptop<\/span>
\nFull Article : guardian.co.tt<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n
\nOPPOSITION LEADER, Basdeo Panday, said that after a good night’s sleep, he feels that he has a lot of work to do to preserve the democracy in Trinidad and Tobago following his parliamentary suspension on Friday. He told Sunday Newsday, yesterday: “I do not feel any different about Friday. If anyone feels any differently, they are still in mental slavery by the People’s National Movement. People do not realise what is going on.”<\/p>\n
\nGovernment is not prepared to encourage the importing of lawlessness into the Parliament, through the Leader of the Opposition, Prime Minister Patrick Manning said yesterday. And therefore his Government will not validate Basdeo Panday’s behaviour last Friday by initiating or supporting a resolution overturning his suspension from the Parliament, the Prime Minister added. Manning said the lawlessness manifested itself in Panday’s refusal to accept the authority of the Speaker.<\/p>\n
\nNewspaper headlines claim that Mr Panday was suspended from Parliament \u201cfor using laptop.\u201d This is misleading. He was suspended for persistently refusing to obey the Speaker: he wilfully disregarded the chair\u2019s authority. <\/p>\n
\nOpposition Leader Basdeo Panday has been suspended from Parliament for the remainder of the session, which can extend until December 16, 2008, House Speaker Barry Sinanan confirmed yesterday.<\/p>\n
\nThe rift continues to widen between Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday and Speaker of the House of Representatives Barendra Sinanan in the aftermath of Panday’s suspension from yesterday’s sitting… <\/p>\n
\nThe Parliament Chamber was a scene of turmoil yesterday as tempers flared, insults were hurled and the police force was ordered to remove Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday over his use of a laptop. <\/p>\n
\nHouse Speaker Barry Sinanan will have to expel all 15 UNC members of Parliament because they are all coming with the laptops at the next sitting. <\/p>\n