Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet has been denied access to the Chamber until he issues an apology and withdraws his statement made on Friday 28th April, 2023.
“I am surprised that the prime minister would put that this reference to corruption, so if he really want to resolve crime in this country Mr. Speaker it starts in cabinet. The level of corruption of members in your own cabinet has to be addressed. This situation with bananne, how could you have a piece of land Mr. Speaker that was valued in 2013 at almost 7 million dollars and in 2021 it was revalued to be at 3.5 million? The crime situation is serious, the government needs to address it in their own cabinet. The prime minister keeps on playing this game that is the big bad tough guy and the box stops with him we have not seen that and we have to set the example as leaders. There are too many examples Mr. Speaker of members not doing that.” the opposition leader said in his closing speech on Friday.
On Tuesday afternoon speaker of the house, Claudius Francis questioned Allen Chastanet on the authenticity of his previous statements made.
“How does the sale of a million US dollars translate to corruption on the part of either the member for Castries Central or the cabinet in total?” the speaker questioned.
“The fact that it was valued in 2013 at $67 a square foot and that a new valuation was done that brings it down to $37” Chastanet responded.
“Are you suggesting that there was collusion between the member for Castries Central and the valuer of 20-“ Francis questioned.
“Let us be very clear and honest with each other.” the opposition leader challenged.
“Member are you suggesting we’re being dishonest?” the speaker asked.
The opposition leader went on to question the member for Castries Central’s decision in selling the land for US one million dollars.
“I want to know if the minister knew that there was a valuation of 6.7 million dollars a newer valuation, and given his own understanding of real estate and given the new valuation of 3.5 million and that it was then sold for 2.7 million and more importantly that it was not put out to tender. If In fact that we are to believe what the minister has said that all of this was simply to get money to pay for the building why would you not want to be assured the most amount of money? Why would you accept the first person that calls you up?” he questioned.
The speaker reiterated his question to the opposition leader and urged the leader to answer.
With the inability to answer the question imposed by the Speaker Of The House, the opposition leader was asked to take his seat.
The speaker added that the valuation of the land is not of importance to him but whether the transactions made in the sale of the land involved corruption is and that the opposition leader has failed to prove his statements therefore he requested that the opposition leader withdraw his statements made.
To which the opposition leader declined and attempted to leave the chamber.
After deliberations on which sanction would be best suitable for the opposition leader. It was decided that the leader will be denied access to the chamber until he has issued an apology and withdrew his statement.
“Such disrespect in the house cannot continue Mr. Speaker.” the leader of government business added.
In response, the opposition leader Hon. Allen Chastanet walked out of the chamber.
