NDP Assembly member Melvin Bouva expressed strong frustration during the public meeting of the National Assembly regarding the waste collection issue. The representative was visibly upset, unable to understand how the government has been unable to resolve this issue for months.
Bouva initiated an interruption but continued speaking off-microphone in response to statements by Assembly member Mahinder Jogi (VHP), who allegedly claimed that the previous government had placed society in this situation. Jogi suggested that, if there had been enough funds as under certain previous governments, the issue would not have escalated to this point.
He reportedly received information from Minister Riad Nurmohamed of Public Works that waste collection would be normalized by tomorrow, Wednesday, at the latest. Bouva protested against this claim off-microphone and was subsequently removed from the chamber by Assembly President Marinus Bee.
Colleagues in the NDP faction expressed significant discontent with Bee’s handling of the situation. Faction leader Rabin Parmessar pointed out that there is a procedural rule, which he believes was not followed. Before removing someone from the chamber, a warning should be given first. Parmessar also noted his dissatisfaction with the treatment he received from a police officer when Bouva was escorted out and discussed this with the officer’s superior.
Outside the chamber, Bouva explained that Jogi’s remarks frustrated him because, while the public is dealing with the waste problem, Jogi casually stated that it was caused by the previous government. He was removed from the session for protesting this statement.
Bouva stated he would return to the chamber as usual because the public pays him to represent their interests. The politician argued that this is the coalition’s method of directing NDP members who criticize the administration out of the chamber.
NDP Assembly member Jennifer Vreedzaam added that this demonstrates a form of fascism. “The public needs to stand up against this; laws are being passed that are to the detriment of society.”