00:00A high-level parliamentary inquiry examining how Trinidad and Tobago procures and distributes pharmaceuticals is now facing serious internal challenges.
00:09The committee launched the probe to assess the effectiveness of procurement systems, the management of health care supply chain and
00:17factors impacting foreign exchange allocation for medicine.
00:21But the focus has now shifted from systems to conduct.
00:24At the center of the controversy is former Health Minister Terence D'Alsing, who was invited to submit written evidence
00:31before appearing before the committee.
00:34Concerns emerged during an April 13th meeting after it was discovered that his submission contained trapped changes allegedly made by
00:43sitting committee member Senator Janelle John Bates.
00:47Metadata reviewed by the committee suggests that the senator may have assisted in preparing the document prior to its formal
00:54submission.
00:55The committee described the development as troubling, raising questions about impartiality and the integrity of the inquiry.
01:02Senator John Bates later admitted to making material changes and indicated she would seek advice on her position.
01:09But by April 16th, the committee was informed that steps were being taken to remove her, with correspondence sent by
01:16Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate confirming the move.
01:20Further compounding concerns was the apparent leak of confidential in-camera proceedings to the public, impossible breach of parliamentary standing
01:29orders.
01:29An emergency meeting was convened to address both the alleged bias and the disclosure of sensitive information.
01:37While the committee says investigations into the leak will continue, it has now issued a special report describing the senator's
01:45conduct as serious enough to warrant consideration by Parliament.
01:49The report stops short of making final conclusions on the wider inquiry, noting that evidence-gathering is still ongoing.
01:57However, it warns that the actions of the member may have compromised the duty of impartiality and could amount to
02:05contempt of Parliament.
02:06The committee is now recommending that both the House of Representatives and the Senate examine the matter, even as the
02:14broader probe into the country's pharmaceutical procurement system continues.
02:18This is Rishi Tiwari Rupnarein, TV6 News.
