Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle speaks at Sir Robin Yearwood’s 50th anniversary commemoration sitting (screenshot of state media)
Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle wasted little time in setting the tone for the new Parliament on Tuesday, calling for impartiality from the Chair and greater opportunities for meaningful debate between government and opposition members.
Pringle’s remarks came during his first address to the Lower House following his swearing-in as Leader of the Opposition.
Speaking during the June 16 sitting, Pringle stressed that despite the Opposition’s reduced numbers, its members still have an important role to play in representing the interests of the people.
He urged the Speaker to remain independent and impartial in managing parliamentary proceedings.
“It is my belief also that the Chair and the Speaker should respect and understand that the Chair is not another member of Parliament for the government side,” Pringle told the House.
The comment immediately drew a response from Speaker Osbert Frederick, who interrupted to defend his conduct and challenge the Opposition Leader to identify any instance where he had acted unfairly.
Frederick maintained that all of his decisions have been guided by the Standing Orders governing Parliament.
“I have never ruled outside of the Standing Order,” the Speaker said. “If I have to use that because that’s the rule that governs this Honourable House.”
Pringle quickly sought to ease tensions, explaining that no disrespect was intended. He apologized if his comments had been interpreted otherwise and said he was simply advocating for a balanced environment where both sides of the House could freely express their views.
The Opposition Leader also thanked the people of All Saints East and St Luke for returning him to Parliament for a third consecutive term and congratulated the government on its election victory.
He further appealed for legislative bills to be circulated to Opposition members in a timely manner, arguing that adequate notice is necessary for proper research and informed debate.
Later in the sitting, Barbuda MP Trevor Walker took the oath of office and reflected on what he described as the final stage of his political career.
Walker congratulated the government on securing a commanding majority in Parliament, comparing the result to the dominant victories achieved under former Prime Minister Sir Vere Cornwall Bird during the 1980s.
At the same time, the veteran parliamentarian delivered a strong warning regarding land ownership in Barbuda, renewing his longstanding opposition to efforts he believes could threaten Barbudans’ rights to communal land.
Addressing Prime Minister Gaston Browne directly, Walker urged him to abandon any plans that could affect land ownership on the sister island.
“Leave us with our land, that is our land, it’s ours, leave us with it,” Walker declared.
The morning’s proceedings concluded with Speaker Frederick formally welcoming both members to the House and expressing hope that the new Parliament would work together in the best interests of the country.
“I pray, too, that our meeting here again today and going forward will be very fruitful as we continue to do the business of the people,” Frederick said.
Hahahah tell them Pringle. Sometimes they tend to forget the people didn’t vote for them