Malahoo Forte: Government engaging diaspora

STATE MINISTER for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Marlene Malahoo Forte, yesterday dismissed media reports that the Government had failed to engage members of the diaspora on critical issues relating to the upcoming diaspora convention in June.

Media reports indicate that disgruntled members of the diaspora were threatening to boycott the biennial event, complaining about the absence of meaningful consultation with the ministry, among other things.

But in a statement to the Senate, Malahoo Forte rejected claims that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had failed to engage the diaspora on issues relating to the convention. "Consultations are ongoing," she told members of the Upper House.

• … Chided for ignoring Senate tradition

LEADER OF Opposition Business in the Senate A.J. Nicholson yesterday chided government senator, Marlene Malahoo Forte, for failing to observe an important tradition of the Upper House.

Nicholson complained to President of the Senate Dr Oswald Harding that Malahoo Forte did not provide a copy of her statement to the Opposition so that appropriate questions could be asked.

"It is most unfortunate at the beginning of the parliamentary year that we did not get a copy of the statement," Nicholson said. "Criticisms are being levelled and we don't have a copy over here to ask one question," Nicholson stressed.