NaRRA Bill debate in Senate turns sharp as Fitz-Henley blasts NGOs, Scott-Mottley answers

Discussion of the National Reconstruction Resilience Authority (NaRRA) Bill carried on in the Upper House, where Government Senator Abka Fitz-Henley faulted civil society actors for what he termed “selective outrage” when they speak on public matters.

In the month before, no fewer than 28 such organisations had publicly worried about the proposed law. In his speech on the measure, Senator Fitz-Henley strongly criticised bodies that argue the Bill could open doors to corrupt practice. He further claimed they were taking the same side as the Opposition, which has for an extended period said the draft fails to guarantee adequate supervision and answerability.

Opposition Senator Donna Scott-Mottley replied that the remark suggests people whose views diverge from those of the Government should not expect a fair hearing. She charged the administration with attacking civil society for simply doing the work citizens expect of them.