Speaker approves Rowley's no confidence motion; debate expected May 20

File: Keith Rowley in Parliament

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Wade Mark, on Friday advised that he has approved a no-confidence motion in the Prime Minister and the Government filed by Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley.

The debate on the motion is expected on May 20, four days before the People's Partnership celebrates the third anniversary of the electoral victory against the PNM in 2010.

Rowley's previous attempts to censure the government failed. The new one accuses the Government of taking actions aimed at attacking and conspiring to undermine the judiciary, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the parliamentary Opposition and the media.

The motion reads:

"Whereas the sanctity of the Parliament and lawfully constituted institutions and authorities are fundamental in our democracy and must be protected at all times

"And Whereas by a series of actions the UNC led Government of TT under the leadership of the PM has attacked and conspired to undermine key institutions of State namely;

"The Judiciary, Office of the DPP, Opposition, The Media

"And whereas members of the cabinet specifically the AG and the Minister of Local govt have also participated in such attacks against these important institutions of our Democracy

"Be it resolved that this House confirm its loss of confidence in the Prime Minister and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago."