ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Deputy Speaker of the House Chester Hughes was forced to adjourn debate on the 2012 Budget, as there were fewer than six members in the 18-member House yesterday.
A quorum comprises six of the 17 elected members.
After the debate was adjourned OBSERVER learned that the members on the government side had taken a decision to leave the House as MP for St John’s City West Gaston Browne was speaking.
“There was a perception of negligence and carelessness about this debate, with members of the Opposition saying their piece and leaving,” Minister of Finance Harold Lovell said.
He said his side decided to “force the session back on the right track” by absenting themselves from the chambers.
The majority of government members were, reportedly, in the dining room at the time of the adjournment.
“Either take the process seriously or we are not having it. That’s our position. Opposition members are saying their piece and then leaving, with the exception of the Honourable Robin Yearwood and the Honourable Molwyn Joseph,” Lovell said.
“We have no issue with Gaston Browne speaking and he can have his full time tomorrow, without deduction, but we thought it necessary to press for the seriousness that such a debate requires,” Lovell added.
Member of Parliament for St Peter Asot Michael moved the motion, which was seconded by MP for Rural South Eustace Lake, after Gaston Browne was forced to stop his presentation for a second time.
At the start of the day’s sitting, Lovell, who is leader of government business, chided his colleagues, particularly the Opposition bench for their failure to attend this most important debate.
On Monday, when the debate opened only MP for Rural East Lester Bird was present on the Opposition bench. On Tuesday, there were only two. Molwyn Joseph and Robin Yearwood went through the day.
Reports are that this turn of events is unprecedented in the life of the United Progressive Party administration.
(More in today’s Daily OBSERVER)
Quite correct needs to be taken a lot more seriously.Real issue is,despite all the flawed solutions,on both sides-personal income tax at about 7% is far to low to fund Government Operating Expenditure,even if every dollar was expertly&effectively spent.Funding the Country by add on costs to Tourists is unsustainable,as is bail outs from various World Organisations,you note yet more backlash from these bodies,as well as Investor Groups.
Observers just see chaos,silly comments&self interest.Where,s the plan to balance the Economy,reduce Imports,regulate effectively,fix something Once?
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