ENERGY Minister Stuart Young escaped being sent to the Privileges Committee by apologising to MPs and his constituents on October 17 in the House of Representatives for his recent cross-talk in the House alluding to a politician transporting women and another engaging in lesbian sex acts known colloquially as “zamie.”
Deputy Speaker Esmond Forde, in the chair, opted to not send him to the Privileges Committee.
Earlier, House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George had strongly condemned Young’s remarks and later on Opposition whip David Lee had read a motion urging Young be sent to the Privileges Committee, which is chaired by Annisette-George.
Annisette-George had described Young’s remarks as “reprehensible,” “derogatory,” “despicable” and “crass and distasteful.”
Saying she was personally “deeply troubled” by the remarks, she urged MPs to refrain from “misogynistic, homophobic and disparaging” comments.
She said, “I rule that the Member for Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West at the appropriate time, shall unreservedly withdraw the unparliamentary, offensive and insulting language which he used and apologise to this House and its members for not respecting the dignity and decorum of this House.”
Lee, moving his motion, said Young had uttered an expletive, and had suggested Opposition members were engaged in illegal and immoral activity.
Saying the remarks brought the House into “odium, contempt and ridicule,” Lee urged Young be sent to the Privileges Committee.
Forde said he reserved his ruling until later in the sitting.
Young recalled his words during the House budget debate on October 10 when most MPs were leaving the chamber and the chair was changing.
He said he had uttered words sotte voce (in a soft voice) including colloquial terms that were unparliamentary.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and utterances and would like to record my humblest apology to the House, the Members of the House and the population who I represent for my indiscretion and the ensuing disturbance that my words have caused.”
He told Forde and his own constituents it was never his intention to bring odium to the august House and the Parliament which he would always do his best to protect.
“In the circumstances, I withdraw the unparliamentary language and I ask that my unreserved apology for the said utterances be recorded and I conclude by reaffirming my commitment to the Parliament and the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. I thank you.”
Forde, in ruling, said he had considered everything plus Young’s apology.
Forde said, “As we all heard, the member has unreservedly apologised for his behaviour and withdrawn his unparliamentary comments.
“By apologising, the minister has demonstrated remorse for his comments, reaffirmed his commitment to the values and norms which obtain in this House, and rejected his previous behaviour which fell far beneath what is expected as a member of Parliament.
“Honourable members, I am sure you will agree with me that it would be beneath the dignity of this
