Its 2019, Madam President

'It's 2019, Madam President'

■ Anna Ramdass

anna.ramdass@trinidadexpress.com

'IT'S 2019, Madam President.'

This is the common sentiment expressed in the flood of responses to President Paula-Mae Weekes' decree that invited guests such as Government members and persons from the diplomatic corps must be married in order for their partner to attend events hosted by the President.

'It's important for the Office of the President to represent cultural sensitivity, tolerance, justice and inclusivity in all its events, invitations and protocols. The country has long recognised cohabitational and visiting relations as having legal rights and as reflecting a long and diverse history of gender negotiations in intimate partnerships. In other words, the law has already recognised that loving, lasting and legitimate partnerships are broader than those defined by marriage, and the women's movement over the decades leading to the Cohabitational Relations Act advocated for recognition of this. It's 2019, Madam President,' head of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies at UWI, Dr Gabrielle Hosein, told the Express via message.

She said State agencies, starting from the highest office, need to recognise and honour this history of advocacy, and legal rights, as the country continues to pursue gender equality and recognition of the multiple ways citizens constitute and choose partnerships and families.

The Sunday Express exclusively reported yesterday that at the national awards ceremony last Tuesday, hosted by the President at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA) unmarried Government officials and diplomats were forced to turn up solo because their invitations did not permit them to bring their partner or a guest. Only married guests were allowed to bring their spouses.

This rule is for invited members only as national awardees can bring one guest of their choice to witness them receiving their national award.

Stephanie Leitch, founding director, WOMANTRA, said yesterday she was surprised at this move, adding that women in power should be breaking barriers, not building them.

'I was quite surprised to learn of the President's decision to exclude unmarried couples from official events, since I myself have attended events hosted by former president Carmona with my partner. For me this signals many things, including the archaic notion that marriage is the only acceptable way to be in relationship with another person, or else the reward of being acknowledged or having that relationship validated by the elite is denied. We know that is also a class issue, since many Trinbagonian people simply cannot afford to be married,' she stated via e-mail.

'When we are in positions of power, particularly as women, we should use our influence as much as possible to break down these imaginary barriers of class and elitism that exclude the majority of the population, not reinforce them,' she added.

The President's move to not recognise common law relationships or the preferences of unmarried people was met with objection by many who shared their views on social media as well.

United National Congress (UNC) Senator Khadijah Ameen stated she will be attending fewer presidential ceremonies.

'I'm not one for pomp and ceremony but I guess I'll be attending a few less ceremonial events. As a person without a spouse, I often take my mom, my son, sibling or a friend to official functions as my guest. I may or may not meet someone I know there whom I can hang out with but I can't imagine attending some of these events by myself. No offence to anyone,' she posted.

The Express learnt yesterday that this colonial rule was also instituted under former president George Maxwell Richards, leading to a boycott by some Government members of national events hosted by the President. A Government minister who did not want to be named contacted the Express yesterday saying that Government members who included several such as former public administration minister Marlene McDonald had objected to the rule of one invitee and no guest if you are unmarried.

'It was an issue back then and I remember some Government members raising an issue and even boycotting (the events),' said the official, adding that former protocol officer at the President's House, Lenore Dorset, was a stickler for ensuring this policy was adhered to.

The minister said in this day and age such a policy is not just in contravention to our own laws but embarrassing when it comes from the highest office in the land.

The Express contacted Dorset for comment, but she said she is not longer in service at the Office of the President and did not want to comment.

Citizens also took umbrage with the marriage rule, with the majority of the commentators pointed out that common-law relationships are a cultural norm in T&T. Some called for a boycott of presidential events.

'It's unsettling to see the President of a free country whose watchwords are 'Discipline, Tolerance and Production' publicly shaming otherwise innocent citizens. The message being sent here is that common-law marriages are unworthy of Her Majesty's acknowledgement and thus undeserving of recognition or respect. Common-law marriage has been a widely recognised part of our social culture for a very long time and has even been attached to some of the same legal responsibilities as legalised marriage. As an inclusive society that does not discriminate, the words and actions of our Head of State should be an example of the same moral integrity outlined by our constitution; not the opposite, ' a person commented on Facebook.

'We recognise common-law marriage in this country and I think it's very wrong to take this approach. No one should attend any events,' stated another.

'Good morning, Madam President. How could you dictate like this so if a man or woman separate and not divorced but living there (sic) own life you are DEMANDING they come with the person they separated from? What if they divorce does that mean they can't bring a girlfriend or boyfriend? These ancient way (sic) of thinking this is why we as a country not moving forward. Laws were passed for those who like the same sex yet straight people must abide by what 1 person feel ok then only you shall be at any function you have then how will it look?,' stated another.

Another questioned whether there was religious considerations to the move.

'This is not about outside women, as some are basing it, though. It is a single woman who has probably taken various friends or partners with her to events, now deciding that LGBTQ+ couples and common-law partners or bfs and gfs are not allowed in a State-owned space. Trinidad is based on common- law relationships coming out of slavery and indentureship. Someone should ask her if she recognises Hindu and Muslim marriages given this antiquated stance. She is employed by me and you, living in a space we gave to her rent-free, eating and drinking food paid for by us, and wants to dictate our lives? That makin' any sense? She needs to go away,' stated a citizen.

A hypothetical question was asked whether the United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson would not be allowed to bring his girlfriend Carrie Symonds if he attends a function hosted by Weekes.

Johnson created history being the first unmarried prime minister to move into 10 Downing Street, the official residence and the office of the British Prime Minister, with his girlfriend.

'So it means the Prime Minister of England would not be allowed to attend. It's 2019,' posted the commentator.

There was some support for Weekes' move by those arguing that it was a moral one.

'She is right, it sets the stage to bring back a moral society. Common law is outlaw. I support this 100%,' stated one person.

'If what is suggested is the truth, I am in Total Agreement with the President! Under President Hassanali's presidency, NO ALCOHOL Was Allowed Or Served At ANY Presidential Function! I Did NOT Hear A HUE Or A CRY Then!!! President Hassanali Had His Moral And Spiritual Values And So Does Her Excellency, President Paula Mae-Weekes! So Let It Be Written, So Let It Be Done,' added another.

A view was expressed that the President may be trying to save money.

'I am seeing this from an economic vantage point. This policy will effectively keep the costs attached to all functions hosted by the President's House, low. I am SO FOR THAT! As a taxpayer, my monies can go towards something more meaningful,' stated a post.

UNDER FIRE: President Paula-Mae Weekes

'I CAN'T IMAGINE GOING ALONE': Khadijah Ameen

'DON'T DISCRIMINATE': Dr Gabrielle Hosein

ALSO UPHELD RULE: Former president George Maxwell Richards