Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar is of the view that the Whistleblower Protection Bill is a “legal nightmare” for citizens.
Speaking during debate on the bill in the House of Representatives on Friday, Persad-Bissessar said the law will be deemed unconstitutional in the courts.
Calling the bill in its current form a “replica” of the 2018 bill the Opposition didn’t support, she said there were several amendments that ought to be made.
She raised concerns with Clause 19, which she said tramples on citizens’ rights.
Persad-Bissessar said this clause grants immunity to a person who has made a protected disclosure from any criminal, civil or disciplinary proceedings. She said this was unconstitutional as there’s the possibility that someone can make a false declaration and the person being accused can’t take action.
The Opposition leader also raised concerns that sufficient protections were not in place for the person in receipt of the information.
However, Finance Minister Colm Imbert in his rebuttal noted that Clause 8 makes ample provision for these securities.
Under the legislation, a disclosure isn’t protected if the whistleblower knowingly or should have reasonably known that the information was false.
The bill was first introduced in the House by the National Security Minister on January 14, however, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley moved the motion for debate on the legislation today.
The Prime Minister said while the legislation won’t put an end to corruption,...
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