A dispute has erupted between members of the Opposition and the Speaker of the House over the timely circulation of parliamentary documents ahead of a sitting of the House of Assembly.
Opposition Leader and Micoud South MP Allen Chastanet and Choiseul MP Bradley Felix accused the government of providing critical documentation at the last minute, limiting their ability to prepare for legislative debate.
Chastanet stated that the documents related to the day’s proceedings were only received the night before, leaving little time for proper review.
“We only received the documentation last night at 9 o’clock. We’re expected to come to Parliament today and debate all the bills through all of the stages.”
Choiseul MP Bradley Felix echoed similar frustrations, arguing that the late delivery of documents undermines the Opposition’s ability to engage meaningfully in parliamentary debate.
“I got notification around 9 o’clock last night. There are two bills laid today, and up to now I have not received the documents. This is unfair, and it prevents us from making a respectable contribution.”
However, Speaker of the House Claudius Francis pushed back strongly against the claims. He said that the documents in question had in fact been delivered well in advance, and that proof of receipt had been obtained.
“We have just shown the Leader of the Opposition documents proving that the materials he claims not to have were in the possession of his office for at least two weeks. The Payment System and Services Bill and the Banking Amendment Bill were signed for by the Leader of the Opposition’s office on June 13.”
Francis added that additional bills, including the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty Bill, the Administration of Small Succession Amendment Bill, the Passport Amendment Bill, and the Immigration Amendment Bill, had all been acknowledged by the office of the Opposition through formal sign-off by a staff member.
“Whether he has them is not our issue. Our duty is to deliver them to the official office, which we did.”
The Speaker acknowledged that while he does not take pleasure in contradicting members of the House, setting the record straight was necessary: “It’s unfortunate, but I must clarify the facts when they are publicly misrepresented.”