BY FRANCIS JOSEPH
Dr Margaret Rose, who has been an attorney for former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, was sworn in as an Opposition Senator on Friday.
She replaced Opposition Senator Janelle John-Bates who offered her resignation to Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles on May 1.
Dr Rose was last photographed with Dr Rowley and the rest of his legal team outside the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London 11 months ago where Rowley was contesting a battle for lands in Tobago. He eventually won the case. Heading his team on that occasion was former UNC Attorney General, Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj SC.
The decision to replace John-Bates came after she became embroiled in controversy in April when it was discovered that, while a member of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) and during an inquiry into the acquisition of pharmaceuticals for the public health service, she had assisted former Minister of Health, Terrence Deyalsingh, in editing his statement that was to be submitted before the committee. It was also revealed that Faris Al-Rawi was involved in the preparation of the statement, though he had pointed out he was Deyalsingh’s attorney.
Both John-Bates and Al-Rawi were referred to the Parliament’s Privileges Committee over the matter by Government senator David Nakhid though neither faced investigation after the matter effectively lapsed with the end of the First Session of the 13th Republican Parliament on May 22.
John-Bates was removed from the PAAC and the Joint Select Committee (JSC) on National Security.
Dr Rose is also a public policy researcher and educator, with internationally recognized expertise in public procurement, governance, commercial law and anti-corruption systems.
She is the holder of a Doctor of Policy Research and Practice from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom, and has advised governments, public institutions, and international organisations on procurement governance, regulatory compliance, and public sector reform.
She has also served as counsel in several high-profile commissions of inquiry and significant matters before the courts, including appearances before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.
