'Say it again!'
published:
Friday | April 25, 2008
Bunting
Peter Bunting, the Opposition spokesman on industry and former head of the private investment firm, Dehring, Bunting and Golding (DB&G), was still fuming yesterday as he responded to what he said was a cowardly and underhanded attack on his character by Minister of Finance and the Public Service Audley Shaw.
Sweetheart deals
Closing the 2008-2009 Budget Debate on Wednesday, Shaw charged that the previous administration entered into "sweetheart deals" with DB&G when it was headed by Bunting.
Shaw presented what he said were details of the deals and claimed they were done despite concerns expressed by technocrats in the finance ministry.
In an immediate response on Wednesday, Bunting challenged the finance minister to repeat his claims outside of Parliament where he enjoys protection from lawsuits over potentially libellous statements.
Hiding behind privilege
Yesterday, Bunting went even further as he issued a challenge to the finance minister. "Shaw said what he had to say hiding behind parliamentary privilege. He should prove that he is not a coward by repeating his statement outside the House."
With senior members of the PNP at his side, and former finance minister, Dr Omar Davies, dismissing the charge of wrongdoing, Bunting declared there was nothing secret or unethical in one of the deals mentioned by Shaw, while the other was a "figment of the imagination of the finance minister".
"I am willing to put my record in business against Shaw's and let us examine them to determine which of us could pass the fit and proper examination," Bunting declared.
- A.H.
What is parliamentary privilege?
Parliamentary privilege is a legal mechanism employed within the legislative bodies of countries whose constitutions are based on the Westminster system. In other legislatures, a similar mechanism is known as parliamentary immunity.
In Jamaica, it allows members of the House of Representatives in Parliament and the Senate to speak freely without fear of legal action.
It also means while a member is within the grounds of Parliament he/she cannot be arrested on civil matters while either House is sitting.
