Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that Parliament will be prorogued, delivering the unexpected declaration during what had been a solemn sitting of tributes in the House of Representatives.

The Prime Minister indicated that a formal statement would follow shortly, telling members, “In fact I will make a statement, not to preempt, very shortly that parliament will be prorogued.” The brief but pointed remark immediately shifted the tone inside the chamber, signalling a significant procedural reset in the country’s legislative calendar.

Browne made the announcement as lawmakers paid tribute to the late MP Eustace Lake, welcomed newly appointed MP Randy Baltimore, and recognised the departure of veteran parliamentarian Sir Molwyn Joseph.

Prorogation brings an end to the current session of Parliament, effectively suspending all sittings and halting legislative business. While it does not dissolve Parliament, it wipes the slate clean, meaning pending bills and motions may have to be reintroduced when a new session begins.

The timing of the announcement, delivered in the midst of ceremonial tributes from added a layer of drama to the proceedings and has already sparked speculation about the government’s next move and the priorities that will shape the upcoming session.

Political observers will now be watching closely for the Prime Minister’s full statement, which is expected to clarify the reasons behind the decision and outline what comes next for the nation’s legislative agenda.