Dow concedes defeat
Oarabile Mosikare | Friday April 8, 2016 16:04
Dow told Parliament on Monday that she had listened very carefully during the last few days as the Bill was being debated. “I am convinced that if we are to go to a vote, the bill would pass. On the other hand Madam Speaker, an important issue has arisen and this is the issue of whether or not there has been sufficient consultation on the Bill,” Dow said.
She said information before her was that her ministry has during the year 2015 alone, met with the relevant unions more than seven times. “Notwithstanding what the record says Madam Speaker, an important issue has arisen as to whether or not there has been sufficient consultation. A letter was cited during the debates that I have said and gone on record to say that I did not find the copy of that letter in any of my records.” The unions are alleging that they sent the letter to the minisster in November last year.
Dow said: “When I met with the unions on the 4th of February 2016 being apprised of the existence of that letter, no doubt I would have addressed the issues raised in that letter. “For that reason Madam Speaker, I believe that is only proper in a democracy such as ours to actually listen to the suggestion that certain issues have been raised and should have been addressed and for that reason Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to invoke Standing Order 85. 1 and do hereby being a Member who is in charge of the Bill now seek to withdraw the Bill. Thank you Madam Speaker”.