Penny: John-Bates Could Return to the Senate

Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles asserted that former People's National Movement (PNM) senator Janelle John-Bates' political journey has not concluded with her departure from the Senate. Beckles emphasized that John-Bates' current absence from the Upper House does not preclude a potential return. Speaking at the PNM's National Women's League event, Beckles shared her own political trajectory, noting she was removed from the Senate twice, in 1998 and 2013, yet now holds the position of Political Leader. She suggested that while mistakes can happen, PNM members face a different standard compared to members of the United National Congress (UNC). Beckles contrasted the situation with UNC members she described as corrupt or facing legal issues, implying a double standard in public scrutiny. John-Bates was replaced on the Opposition Bench by Dr. Margaret Satya Rose. This change followed revelations that John-Bates had assisted former health minister Terrence Deyalsingh in editing a statement for the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) during an inquiry into pharmaceutical procurement. PNM Senator Faris Al-Rawi was also implicated in the statement's preparation. Both John-Bates and Al-Rawi were referred to the Parliament's Privileges Committee, but the matter lapsed. John-Bates was subsequently removed from the PAAC and a Joint Select Committee on National Security. She resigned from the Senate on May 1, and Beckles' delay in confirming John-Bates' status had drawn criticism.

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John-Bates’ political career hasn’t ended because she’s not in the Senate anymore. She’s not in the Senate at this time. It don’t mean she can’t go back in the Senate.