Tensions flared in the Senate on Friday as opposition lawmaker and veteran trade unionist, the PNP’s Lambert Brown, blasted the Holness government for inking the Third Country Nationals, or TCNs, MOU with the United States.

Senator Brown branded the United States as the evil empire and chided its decision to attack Iran on February 28 this year.

He was speaking during the debate on a bill to amend the Civil Aviation Act.

Over 20 countries in the region, including Jamaica, have so far inked TCN agreements with the United States.

Under the agreement, sections of the region will be used as a transit point for persons who do not have criminal antecedents but were unsuccessful in efforts to enter the United States.

Senator Brown’s comments prompted the intervention of Senate President, Tom Tavares Finson.

Senator Lambert Brown and before him Senate President Tom Tavares Finson.