The Prime Minister made the disclosure while delivering an address at the opening of the 13th biennial regional Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) conference of presiding officers and clerks at Hilton Trinidad, Port-of-Spain.

The conference was held under the Theme “Enhancing the Parliamentary Process.”

Manning, who has been in the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago for some 34 years and has been nicknamed by some as “The father of our House...” pointed out that in a number of developing countries, there is that persistent problem of the independence of the legislature due to the lack of financial or other resources.

According to him, the Government of Trinidad &Tobago has recognised that it had a critical responsibility to promote the independence of the legislature, which has to be adequately facilitated by the State.

“...Not to be able to exercise influence over this arm of the government, but in furtherance of its autonomy,” adding that, “In point of fact, we’re committed to the principle of the separation of powers.

Government recognizes the necessity to consider the introduction of a range of support services, including legal aid, additional research personnel, a more extensive library and other archival facilities.

The list is extensive, including the construction of new and expanded parliamentary facilities -- more on that at another time. It is all in the works.”

Government sources who told Caribbean Net News that there are plans for new Parliament facilities, said that those plans have been on the back burner for the past two years.

It was also reported that Cabinet took a decision to shift the Parliament and move the Office of the Prime Minister to the Red House.

Government officials who are dealing with the project have been holding talks with their counterparts in the Canadian Parliament on the issue as they discuss new design plans.

By: Caribbeannews