Opposition MPs say ‘short notice’ on Bills is abuse of process

Published

Press Statement from UPP MP’s

We, the Members of Parliament representing the United Progressive Party (UPP), are objecting to the continued late distribution of Bills by the Department of Legal Affairs and are calling on Attorney-General Sir Steadroy Benjamin to respect the Standing Orders of the House.

With a sitting rescheduled to Thursday, February 27, hard copiesof 12 of the 13 Bills down on the Order Paper were receivedbetween Tuesday and today, Wednesday, February 26 – with one still outstanding.

This allows absolutely NO time for proper consultation among ourselves or with constituents and advisors and leaves us under-prepared to debate as thoroughly as our constituents deserve.

We are therefore compelled to believe that this now-common practice is a deliberate act by the Attorney-General, with the full support of the Prime Minister and the Government Bench, all of whom have the advantage of foreknowledge and technical advice on the legislation.

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Such blatant breaches of the notice period occur too often and have gone on for too long.

Accordingly, we are calling on the House Speaker to make an appropriate intervention in the interest of the public we serve and as a safeguard to our democracy.

We also encourage the public to make their dissatisfaction known about this ongoing abuse of the House of Representatives.

It is time for the playing field to be leveled and for maturity and good governance to prevail.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/02/26/opposition-mps-say-short-notice-on-bills-is-abuse-of-process. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Comments (6)

  • Faithful national #1 February 26, 2025, 5:01 PM

    These lazy bunch of “Parliamentarians” are so not ready for this level of governance. They are such dull-witted cry babies. Everything is a problem for them. It’s the same whining every time!
    Reply
  • Antigua is Home! February 26, 2025, 5:48 PM

    We are all gifted 24 hours in each day therefore, instead of focusing solely on protests, opposition parties and representatives should prioritize meeting with stakeholders, analyzing the economic and social impact of proposed measures, and articulating clear alternatives. This approach not only strengthens their credibility but also fosters a more informed and balanced debate on national issues instead of remaining mute. At this critical time, the nation benefits most from leaders who can unite, communicate effectively, and make informed choices that address the needs of the people. Public discourse should encourage solutions, transparency, and engagement, ensuring that leadership is assessed on merit and the ability to govern effectively.
    Reply
  • Sick and tired of being sick and tired February 26, 2025, 6:22 PM

    If the UPP MPs walk out again, I lose all hope in that party.Tax payer money paying them to do nothing but walk out. They don’t know how to debate? Or read?
    Reply
  • Donna February 26, 2025, 7:26 PM

    Gaston and Cutie do not care about the people. They drop bills on short notice to the opposition. How can they respond to several bills in one setting in such a short period? Shouldn’t they consult their constituency, who sent them to parliament? The people need to know what bills will be debated in Parliament and how they will affect their daily lives and operations. Yes, the people put them there to run the country’s affairs; however, they must consult with the people concerning these bills.
    Reply
  • Juju Bee February 26, 2025, 7:53 PM

    That is not right. Pringle had been complaining about that fir years now and it still persists.
    Allow the people time to go thru the bills so they can properly make their contribution
    Reply
  • AAB February 27, 2025, 10:14 PM

    When Don’t Care Politicians have been ALLOWED to get away with their UNFAIR AND NASTY Schemes for So Very Long …… ONLY KNOWLEDGEABLE People Who Feel DISRESPECTED Will DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT……. ……… ACTIONS speak Much Louder Than WORDS ……
    Reply

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