OPPOSITION Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales said yesterday the decision to replace People’s National Movement (PNM) Senator Janelle John-Bates on the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) was a “prudent” one.

This follows the disclosure that she assisted former health minister Terrence Deyalsingh in his response to the Committee’s enquiries into the procurement process for pharmaceuticals.

Members of the PAAC, including chairman House Speaker Jagdeo Singh, have noted the need for confidentiality and respect for due process.