The Opposition subsequently held a press conference to voice their disapproval.

This walkout, however, mirrors the Feb. 13th skirmish involving Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet. Chastanet claimed the then Deputy Speaker Jeremiah Norbert ignored the light on his mic.

Norbert later clarified that Chastanet’s light was not on leading him to call on the Prime Minister to speak. He added that he was guided by the Standing Orders which state that the presiding officer calls the MP whose light first catches his eye.

The Feb. 27th Senate Sitting was no different. Captured on video, Senate President Reynolds was seen looking around the Chamber for the light of an MP desirous of speaking. Upon noticing no light on, Reynolds called on the Leader of Government Business, Guibion Ferdinand, to close the debate.

This led to displayed outrage by the Opposition Senators. “I looked once, twice - no light was on. My decision is final,” said Senate President Reynolds in response.

Later, at their press conference, Opposition Senator Phera Polius provided her own sequence of events.

“Rather than using his discretion to allow me to speak, and bearing in mind that Senator Charles had to speak after me, [Guibion Ferdinand] didn't acknowledge. We strongly believe that the senators on the other side are not receptive to constructive debate. They're not, and we've said time and again that as an opposition, we are duty-bound to scrutinise the policies presented by the government. It is our duty to inform Saint Lucians of the other argument,” she expressed.

The Opposition has become known for walking out of Parliament and the Senate once they disagree with the decision of the government.