Cabinet Says Unprecedented Disrespect Shown to Speaker During Budget Debate

When the Cabinet convened on Thursday, the top issue on its agenda was the fracas that erupted in Parliament on Wednesday. Tensions ran high due to the opposition’s disruptive actions.

According to notes from the Cabinet, opposition members chose to remain silent despite the Prime Minister’s repeated offers to suspend his wrap-up speech, extending an invitation for them to engage in the debate.

This gesture occurred on four separate occasions, yet they steadfastly declined to take the opportunity.

In their discussions, Cabinet members expressed their admiration for the Speaker of the House, commending his commendable restraint and maturity in handling the situation.

Rather than resorting to more severe measures, he opted not to seek the removal of the most vocal dissenters, which showcased his commitment to maintaining order and decorum in the parliamentary proceedings.

The Cabinet collectively reached a consensus that such overt disrespect directed at the Speaker and the Leader of Government Business had not been witnessed in the history of Parliament in Antigua and Barbuda.

SO WHAT HAPPENED?

Parliamentary proceedings were disrupted due to the delayed arrival of opposition members and a contentious debate over adjournment protocols.

The Minister of Public Utilities, Melford Nicholas, concluded his presentation before lunch.

When Parliament reconvened, only one opposition MP was present, prompting the Prime Minister to suggest wrapping up the budget debate based on prior comments from the Leader of the Opposition.

As the Prime Minister moved to conclude the debate, opposition members began arriving, leading to confusion.

The Prime Minister offered the chance for debate to some government MPs, but they did not respond.

Eventually, the Leader of the Opposition, Jamale Pringle, arrived and raised a Point of Order about unspoken government members concerning the budget.

This caused a major uproar, forcing the debate to be wrapped up prematurely