Alberto August Proves Distraction for P.U.P.’s Courtenay

Alberto August

While Senator Eamon Courtenay was grilling Elvin Penner on the issue of the reason for his writing recommendations, he was suddenly distracted by chairman of the United Democratic Party Alberto August who was seated in the gallery. From our vantage point it appeared that August was pointing around and otherwise enjoying himself but the fun was brought to an end by Courtenay, who appealed to Committee Chair Aldo Salazar to toss August out. 

Eamon Courtenay, P.U.P. Senator

“Mr. Chairman, object – Mr. August up there, is attempting to distract me and I just want him to be very clear – he will get his turn to come down here, and if he continues his behaviour – see? Could you ask him to be removed? He’s sitting there pointing at me whenever I ask a question and I’m not going to continue until he is removed; he is disturbing me.”

Eamon Courtenay

Aldo Salazar, Chair, Senate Special Select Committee

“I didn’t see what you were referring to.”

Eamon Courtenay

“He is disturbing me and I am asking you as chairman of the Committee to have him removed; I will not continue my question until he is removed and I have questions to ask.”

Aldo Salazar

“I don’t, I don’t…”

Eamon Courtenay

“See him there again? See it there, watch?”

Aldo Salazar

“I don’t know that there is no way you can proceed if Mr. August would agree that he would…”

Eamon Courtenay

“Well I’m telling you that I will not proceed until he goes.”

Aldo Salazar

“Well, he’s decided to go.”

It is not clear if there are any sanctions for disrupting public hearings of Special Select Committees but strangers are generally governed in the Standing Orders of the Senate. They are asked to maintain silence and withdraw by the presiding officer as necessary. In August’s case he freely left the precincts upon being identified.