Senators unite to say ‘farewell’ as Hinds bows out of representative politics

Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds says he is moving on after 30 years of representative service and politics. He confirmed his exit as an MP yesterday in the Senate, one day after Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley revealed that Hinds had withdrawn his consent to be nominated to contest the seat again for the PNM.

The Prime Minister had said he was “a little disappointed.” Only on Wednesday, Hinds told Guardian Media that he was moving away from the “bacchanal” regarding the constituency and looking forward to screening on December 2.

He said then he received the support of 37 party groups and the constituency executive. With news of his exit in the air, the outgoing Laventille West MP received loud desk thumping from both the Government and Opposition senate benches yesterday.

Opposition Senate leader Wade Mark said he would miss his parliamentary colleague and friend, Hinds. Hinds, who is also National Security Minister, was in the Senate to answer two questions from Mark, an urgent question on phishing incidents and another on measures to deter at-risk youth from criminal activity.

As Hinds took his seat in the Government’s front bench—waiting to answer questions—he received fist bumps from his colleagues, including Public Utilities Minister Marvin Gonzales and others.

When Hinds rose to reply to Mark’s first question, he received long, loud desk-thumping from the Government and Opposition benches. Hinds put his hand on his heart, then raised a fist slightly acknowledging the “big up.” He then said (quoting the late Bob Marley’s By the Rivers of Babylon), “As usual, ‘may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable.’”

His comment, however, was overpowered by the continued desk-thumping. Mark, rising to ask his question, prefaced it with, “I have to address that question to my outgoing colleague … may I address this to my colleague and friend, the Minister of National Security, question number five to the Honourable Minister of National Security. I will miss you.”

There was more desk thumping. Hinds, in response, said, “(Mr Senate President) it is rather interesting to note that I’m moving on from 30 years of representative service and politics… a sphere, a field in which the Honourable Senator never got started,” he added to loud laughter from the government side. “Politically stillborn!” Hinds concluded.

After Hinds answered Mark’s question, he said, “Normally I’d interrogate him. Today, I put him to rest.” He didn’t question Hinds further. Hinds mum on reasons for exit But before he sat in the Senate, Guardian Media caught up with the outgoing Laventille West MP as he made his way to the Red House to find out what prompted his decision. However, Hinds is keeping his reasons for bowing out of the electoral political arena close to his chest. He avoided questions surrounding his last-minute withdrawal, only hinting it was “personal”.

Hinds said, “The business of the people at the Parliament is far more important now than any other business, particularly when it’s personal. Our big concern is the public’s interest.”

Asked why he was no longer interested in being screened for the seat despite expressing he had the resounding support from the constituency’s executive, 37 party leagues, and other constituents, Hinds replied, “Read my lips.”

Hinds, an attorney, during his 30 years in politics, first entered the Parliament in 1995, elected as MP for Laventille East/Morvant. He served 12 years in that position with the Patrick Manning PNM in opposition and government. During 2002-2007, with the Manning administration, Hinds served as Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security and the Ministry of Trade.

Hinds was appointed an Opposition Senator from 2010-2015. In September 2015, Hinds was elected MP for Laventille West with the Rowley Government. He was re-elected in the August 2020 general election. In this administration, Hinds was Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Minister in the Ministry of the Attorney General, Public Utilities Minister, Youth Development and National Service Minister, and then appointed National Security Minister in 2021.

During Hinds’ Parliament tenure, he also served as a member of several committees and chaired the Public Accounts (Enterprises) Committee and the Joint Select Committee on National Security.

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