Leader of Government Business Barry Padarath has rejected claims by MP for Port of Spain North/ St Ann's West Stuart Young that he was prevented from speaking on the Finance Bill 2025 in Parliament on December 5.

In a Facebook post, Young said, “Even though we had informed the UNC, via their leader of government business (member for Couva South), that the Opposition intended to have further speakers on the bill, the member told the Minister of Finance to wrap up the debate preventing me from contributing on behalf of my constituents, the Opposition and citizens of TT. I indicated to the Speaker that I wished to contribute, and the Minister of Finance proceeded to wrap up despite my indication and protests.”

After MP for Laventille East Morvant Christian Birchwood's contribution, Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo raised his hand to signal his intention to wrap up the debate. Speaker of the House Jagdeo Singh acknowledged this, permitting Tancoo to proceed.