Scotland ordered to leave chamber

SPEAKER of the House Jagdeo Singh ordered Port of Spain South Member of Parliament Keith Scotland to leave the chamber for 15 minutes on Wednesday after he tried to intervene during Public Utilities Minister Barry Padarath's contribution to debate on the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

The exchange took place in the House of Representatives, following allegations by Padarath concerning procurement breaches and unapproved spending involving the PNM and San Fernando East MP Brian Manning.

Scotland rose to object to the statements and sought to defend Manning, arguing that what had been said constituted an allegation rather than an established fact. He referred to Standing Order 48, which treats with the contents of speeches during debates, arguing that allegations made in Parliament entered the public record and that members should be treated equally.