.png)
Opposition laments not being invited to inaugural ‘Tourism Summit’
Responding to a question about the absence of Opposition Members, Hon Skelton disclosed that neither he nor his colleagues were officially invited to the high-profile event.
Hon Smith attended in ‘private capacity’
While Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, a Territorial At-large Representative, attended in her personal capacity, Mr Skelton reiterated for media operatives present, the lack of formal engagement by the government.
“I knew about this conference, this important conference, since November of last year. It was at that time that I made it my business to say or to ask that I be included, invited. That is why I said I invited myself from then,” Hon Smith explained, emphasising her proactive stance in attending the summit— albeit in a private capacity.
Further detailing her decision to participate, she revealed that, “From the 2nd of January, I kept getting it confirmed and reconfirmed that I would be there. In a personal capacity. I can say that when I arrived, the protocol was attempted, but I did say I’m here in a private capacity.”
Ms Smith, who had previously been a government member and is a present legislator in the HOA as an At-Large Representative, attended the summit, reportedly utilising insights she gained during her time in the executive. Hon Skelton was adamant nonetheless, most Opposition Members lacked such opportunities to gain access.
‘I have not been invited’- Opposition Leader
“I have not been invited; I did receive what I assume was a message from a public officer the night before it was to commence. I since reached out to them and asked them what they were contacting me about. Another member of the opposition told me more than likely it was about the event,” Hon Skelton clarified.
Meanwhile, further expressed frustration at the timing and lack of formal notice, he added, “I got a telephone call about 5 o’clock the day before apologising for the oversight of not inviting Members of the Opposition. I have to agree with what is being said. I think it is something throughout government that requires more attention.”
Hon Skelton, as such, has since deemed the incident as symptomatic of a larger issue within the government’s executive arm adumbrating, “this is, again, a reflection of when the government has things, they will invite who they choose to invite; And that is something that continues over and over again.”
How could you forget?
He further criticised the government’s failure to include the Opposition saying, “We’re all Members of the House of Assembly; You’re thinking there’s no way that you can arrange something of this magnitude, particularly with the fact that the Opposition has been hammering the issues surrounding tourism, asking for a tourism plan.”
Qualifying his position further, Hon Skelton recalled that, “...during the Budget Debate, it was a long path of our discussions about the numbers and the fact that people are hurting; I don’t see how you could forget to invite the Opposition.”
.png)
Follow Us On
12 Responses to “Opposition laments not being invited to inaugural ‘Tourism Summit’”
Persons attended and to the best of my knowledge nobody was specifically invited. Everyone registered and received the confirmation. It was an excellent summit. Sorry that Hon Skelton missed it
( It would save some tax dollars )
It is the individual entrepreneurs who have created the tourism industry on land and sea.
I doubt many of them were invited or there.
This approach encourages a spirit of collaboration between the government and opposition, providing citizens with confidence that their leaders prioritize the nation’s welfare above partisan interests. By involving the opposition, the government exhibits political maturity and an ability to rise above party lines to serve the greater interests of the country. Such cooperation underscores a stable and thriving democracy, enhancing the country’s international standing as an example of inclusivity and equitable governance.
Additionally, the inclusion of opposition members diminishes perceptions of bias or exclusion, reinforcing principles of fairness and equality in decision-making. Their participation broadens representation, ensuring that diverse needs and perspectives are taken into account. This also promotes transparency and accountability, as events and decisions are viewed and reported through multiple perspectives.
Ultimately, engaging the opposition in national events strengthens democratic institutions, builds trust among citizens, and highlights the importance of unity in governance. It underscores the idea that effective leadership is not confined to political divisions but is a collective effort toward a brighter, more inclusive future for all."
Everyone was invited to the summit, in fact all of the 13 were called. The opposition can never run this country we are sticking with the grand old VIP