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Premier fails in bid to breach HoA protocols

-as Speaker denies motion to press ahead with ‘illegal’ sitting
Honourable, Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe at the Tuesday 27, 2018, sitting of the HoA denied the granting of a leave, requested by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith(AL). Photo: VINO/File
Premier, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) had attempted to move to have the notices issued by the Clerk of the HoA, deemed as proper by suspending the relevant standing orders related to notices for members. Photo: VINO/File
Premier, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL) had attempted to move to have the notices issued by the Clerk of the HoA, deemed as proper by suspending the relevant standing orders related to notices for members. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - Speaker of the Virgin Islands’ (VI) House of Assembly (HoA), Honourable, Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe at the Tuesday 27, 2018, sitting opted to abide by the Standing Orders—rules that governs the modus operandi of the House—and adjourned which denied the granting of a leave, requested by Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith(AL).

The stance taken by the Speaker stumped government legislators,  including Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Dr the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering(R7), who could be heard in loud tone saying, “I beg your pardon (in creole)” after the Speaker adjourned sitting.

Objections

Opposition Leader, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) and Honourable Julian Fraser, RA (R3) had raised objections to the sitting calling it illegal.

One such objection related to the constant tardy attendance of National Democratic Party (NDP) legislators and in addition to the fact the sitting was called in contravention of the Standing Orders as it relates to the issuing of notices to members.

The two opposition members were unwavering in their arguments against the ‘illegal’ sitting which led to a recess for lunch.

Premier Smith had attempted to move to have the notices issued by the Clerk of the HoA to be deemed as proper by suspending the relevant standing orders related to notices for members.

This was subsequently denied by the Speaker.

According to Hon Moses-Scatliffe the challenge for her is, “the Premier is seeking leave under Standing Order 89, to remedy the defects outlined under standing orders 8, C, D and E which talks about having the Order Paper within 10 days, having the minutes dispatched within seven days and having the packages for the members dispatched within five days.”

Having deliberated on the matter, the Speaker at the end found that yesterday’s sitting of the House had not been properly constituted .

According to Ms Moses-Scatliffe, “Everything is in context….Honourable Members, so with that said I am not granting leave and today’s sitting, for the lack of a better word, is now adjourned.” 

 

6 Responses to “Premier fails in bid to breach HoA protocols ”

  • love it (28/11/2018, 09:50) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Time they stop using their power to do what they want with people . People here 30 -40 yrs commit no crime work hard pay their taxes and because they have no one to speak on their behalf their file kept going to the bottom of the pile . Appreciate Someone in power who finally see the importance in doing what's right...God is Good ...Never Get Wary !
    ..
  • Xxx (28/11/2018, 10:09) Like (41) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ndp always trying something illegal
  • Just Curious (28/11/2018, 10:33) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is yet another issue to show that the NDP is lacking both in protocol and by law. This is what we call lack of transparency. If Mr. Fahie didn't make this an issue seconded by Mr. Fraser, the illegal sitting would have gone unnoticed. I am glad common sense prevailed because it is my view that any debate or decision made would be illegal and could be contested on the ground of procedural impropriety. I am anxious to hear the debate on the million dollar school wall, but I want it to be heard in a legal sitting so with the other government businesses. The NDP is slowly but surely a shell of what it used to be and it is only time before it finally crumble to the ground.
  • Jalllo (28/11/2018, 13:08) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    @ jusr curious. Slowly a shell?
    • Just Curious (28/11/2018, 23:20) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You have lost me in what you are trying to say or the question you intended to ask. Can you rephrase please. Thanks
  • cnn (29/11/2018, 00:07) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Speaker needs to go


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