Dow concedes defeat

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.