Skip to playerSkip to main content
CCNTV6
  • 18 hours ago
Political Analyst Dr. Winford James is weighing in on the controversy surrounding remarks by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley in response to allegations by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar regarding the construction of the Balizier House.
The exchange has sparked criticism and accusations of misogyny, and renewed debate about political conduct and media responsibility....

Tv6's Nicole M Romany has the details
Transcript
00:00Speaking on the TV6 Morning Edition, Dr. Winford James says the confrontation did not originate with Dr. Rowley,
00:08noting that Prime Minister Kamala Passat-Bissessa's initial remarks were made under parliamentary privilege.
00:15However, he adds that Dr. Rowley's response lacked restraint and could prove politically damaging to the people's national movement.
00:23How does such language benefit the PNM politically?
00:30And he's going to lose, I think, the PNM is going to lose support.
00:35The PNM badly needs to have, they have to start rebuilding.
00:42There's a lot of rebuilding to be done.
00:45And I don't know that the outburst from Dr. Rowley would help the PNM.
00:51He also questions whether or not Dr. Rowley is interested in the party's well-being.
00:57Whether, in fact, Dr. Rowley cares what happens to the PNM in terms of the response of the electorate.
01:06I don't know if Dr. Rowley cares anymore.
01:09He can afford not to care.
01:12But the point is, he was the former, former Prime Minister.
01:15And I think there's a duty on him to speak in measured tones.
01:22In a statement, TAT reminded broadcast concessionaires of their legal obligation under the terms of their licenses,
01:31pointing specifically to Section D9, which governs acceptable content.
01:35It states,
01:52However, Dr. James questions whether the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago, TAT,
02:03has the power to caution media houses following the broadcast of the statements.
02:08I don't know that that is the business of TAT.
02:11And by the way, TAT seems to have a bias.
02:15He's talking about what was said about the Prime Minister,
02:18but he's not saying that, look, she was not provoked to do what she did.
02:27She chose to act in that way.
02:29And Rowley responded.
02:31Still, Dr. James urges broadcasters to remain mindful of editorial responsibility,
02:39noting the remarks drew concern from members of the public who found them offensive.
02:45Nicole M. Romany, TV6 News.
02:48Nicole M. Romany, TV6 News.
Comments