Speaker Drops Hammer: ‘Serpent’s’ Entire Speech Wiped from Parliamentary Records
In an almost unheard-of move, House Speaker Sir Osbert Frederick has erased from the official records every word spoken by St. George’s MP Algernon “Serpent” Watts during the March 3 debate on the Road Traffic Amendment Act.
The Speaker’s decision, announced in Parliament on Monday, stunned the chamber. Rarely, if ever, has a sitting member’s full contribution been scrubbed from Hansard, the permanent record of parliamentary proceedings.
At the centre of the controversy is Watt’s reliance on a document from which he quoted extensively. When pressed by St. John’s City East MP Melford Nicholas to table the source, Watt promised to produce it before the day’s end. He never did.
After repeated reminders and even a formal letter from the Speaker, Watts doubled down — not in the House, but on his radio show — calling Frederick’s letter “threatening” and boasting that, as an MP, he was “protected” by the Constitution.
Frederick dismissed that claim as “laughable” and lowered the gavel with a ruling that could reshape parliamentary practice: no member will be allowed to quote any document in debate unless it is first submitted to the Clerk.
And then came the thunderbolt — the Speaker ordered the Clerk to strike Watt’s entire March 3 speech from the record, effectively making it as if “Serpent” had never spoken at all.
This story was first published by Antigua News on August 26, 2025: antigua.news/2025/08/26/speaker-drops-hammer-serpents-entire-speech-wiped-from-parliamentary-records. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
About the author
Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.
Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.
More from Antigua and Barbuda
View section
‘They Can’t Dictate That’: Freeland Rejects Player Pressure Over National Coach
Freeland defends the coaching staff and says players should demonstrate their value through training and performance.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Search Ends as All Four Juveniles Who Escaped Bolans Police Station Return to Police Custody
Police apprehended three of the juveniles during a search operation in Liberta on Thursday morning, less than a day after the fourth surrendered to authorities.
By Cory Wayland
Farmers Given 90 Days to Plant as Government Launches 102-Acre Land-Clearing Programme
Antigua launches a 102-acre agricultural land-clearing programme requiring beneficiaries to establish viable crops within 90 days of land preparation.
By Cory Wayland
Freeland Blames Poor Player Commitment for Antigua and Barbuda’s Basketball Withdrawal
Basketball president acknowledges unpaid stipends but says repeated low practice attendance drove the decision to withdraw.
By Shermain Bique-Charles
Comments (6)
vance August 26, 2025, 7:49 AM
Mindy August 26, 2025, 7:50 AM
Apex Jones August 26, 2025, 7:58 AM
This is certainly unheard of. Then again they hardly make any contributions in Parliament so it’s neither here nor there
Shines August 26, 2025, 8:37 AM
King goat August 27, 2025, 8:47 PM
Informed citizen August 26, 2025, 3:00 PM