AG Questions Timing of Opposition Absences at First Parliamentary Sitting

Attorney General Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin using the first sitting of the new parliamentary session to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the two opposition MPs’ absences, despite a press statement issued the day before explaining their circumstances.

Members of the ruling ABLP party was sworn in as parliamentarians on Monday, ahead of the Speech from the Throne by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams scheduled for this week.

In his brief remarks before calling for the sitting to be adjourned, Sir Steadroy said that he felt it “strange” that both opposition MPs were absent.

“Is it not passing strange that today of all days in public history some sort of excuse has been made — people being sick, travelling — is it not strange? I ask, I say yes,” he told the House.

He further described the opposition as having “disappeared” just as they did at the last elections, adding “They don’t appear, they don’t work, as a matter of fact they are a disunited bunch of people.”

The remarks were directed at UPP Leader Jamale Pringle and Barbuda People’s Movement MP Trevor Walker, both of whom were absent from the swearing-in ceremony.

A press statement issued on Sunday by the opposition confirmed that Pringle had travelled to the United States the previous week accompanying his minor daughter for a medical procedure, while Walker is attending to family matters.

Both MPs had formally notified the Clerk to Parliament of their absences and are expected to take their Oath of Allegiance at the next ordinary sitting of the House.