MP writes to House Speaker requesting investigation into unauthorised filming

by Linda Straker

• PM Dickon Mitchell described unauthorised video filming as distasteful
• Video currently posted on political podcaster social media platform
• Matter also condemned by Emmalin Pierre, Opposition Member of Parliament

Kate Lewis-Peters, the Member of Parliament (MP) who is the subject of an unauthorised video filmed in the Parliament Chamber, has officially written to House Speaker Leo Cato requesting that an investigation be conducted to find out who is responsible for capturing the video and why it was done and published via social media.

“Yes, besides speaking about it in the Parliament, I have officially written to the Speaker,” she said when asked if any further action would be taken after her request to the Speaker. After a special sitting on Tuesday, 11 February, Lewis-Peters spoke after the conclusion of the main issue, calling on the Speaker to conduct the investigation.

“It’s a matter of principle, integrity and security,” she told the House. “If a sitting member of this House can have their privacy breached in this manner, Mr Speaker, what does it say about the safety and confidentiality of others?” She pointed out that others can be affected by such a breach in the future. “Not just me, but fellow citizens, journalists, even government officials, Mr Speaker, the seriousness of this matter, must not be overlooked. The use of covert surveillance tactics against any individual, let alone a legislature, is deeply troubling, and it raises pressing questions,” she said. Lewis-Peters called on the Speaker to conduct the investigation so a determination will be made about the video, which is currently posted on the social media platform of a political podcaster.

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell described the act as distasteful and called for whoever did that filming to be held accountable. “Let me state for the records, and i can say so confidently for myself that members of this House do not in any way, shape or form support this particular deed that was done, and if the Speaker of the House has the capacity to find out who did the act, in my view, they should be held to account.”

“The people who sit here on this side of the House are not responsible for the action of individuals, and I will go on record as saying if it is a sympathiser or a supporter of the National Democratic Congress, that in no way, shape or form should take away from the fact that I certainly don’t think this behaviour is appropriate and should be accepted,” the Prime Minister told the House.

The matter was also condemned by Emmalin Pierre, Opposition Member of Parliament who currently holds the post of Political Leader of the New National Party (NNP), and represents the constituency of St Andrew South-East. She described the capturing and publishing of the video as attacking democracy and integrity in the Lower House. “This is not just deeply troubling, but I think it hits to the core of our democracy and our integrity. There has never been what I describe as such a vile and disrespectful act committed in this House against a member, and I say against our democracy.”