OPPOSITION SLAMS DEFENCE MINISTER

CCNTV6

The Opposition is accusing Defence Minister Wayne Sturge of repeatedly avoiding questions in Parliament on major national security issues. They say today marks the third time he has refused to clarify matters that have heightened public concern.

Transcript

00:00The opposition is sharply criticizing Minister of Defence, Wayne Sturge,

00:05accusing him of repeatedly refusing to answer critical national security questions in Parliament.

00:10They say today marked the third consecutive sitting in which Minister Sturge invoked Standing Order 27G

00:18to avoid responding, an action they describe as evasive, improper and a breach of accountability.

00:25According to the opposition, the Standing Order was used to block answers on three major matters.

00:32On October 10th, the sudden dismissal of the Chief of Defence staff during the state of emergency.

00:38On October 31st, reports that Defence Force officers were ordered to immediately return to base.

00:45And today, November 21st, whether U.S. military personnel were authorized to operate in Trinidad and Tobago's territory,

00:52following widespread videos and reports of American warships and aircraft in the Gulf of Paria.

01:00They agree these questions were prompted by heightened public anxiety,

01:05fueled by social media footage, satellite images and international coverage,

01:10yet the Minister offered no clarity.

01:13The opposition says Minister Sturge's silence reflects what they call,

01:17They accuse him of choosing secrecy over transparency and obstruction over his constitutional duty to the public.

01:35They are now calling on the Minister to stop,

01:37Quote, Hiding behind procedure, end quote,

01:41To answer the questions before him and to show the leadership required of the office.

01:47Aksha Galston, TV6 News.

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