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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