Speaker Raphael Trotman on Monday ruled against government’s bid to have the business of Parliament suspended to facilitate a debate in the National Assembly, on the recent mayhem at Agricola, Greater Georgetown. The Speaker said while he has noted that the issue is one of national importance, he does not see it as an urgent matter, alluding to the fact that a similar request was turned down by his predecessor, Ralph Ramkarran.
“Given the gravity of this situation–it is a matter of public importance in my view–but I do not believe it is qualified as being urgent and immediate,” he said.
“The matter is one that must be sudden in a manner that it must be raised to an emergency and should not have risen over a period of weeks,” he added while quoting the former speaker.
He noted that Prime Minister Samuel Hinds had presented the matter in a statement, which clarified the government’s position following the events at Agricola; thus, the reason for his denial.
18 government parliamentarians then rose to have the discussion entertained; however, Deputy Speaker Deborah
Backer informed the speaker that the only instance in which the 18 MPs could have risen to support the discussion is “only if the Speaker is satisfied”.
She added that the Speaker will have to seek the consent of the Members of the National Assembly to entertain the discussion. “The Speaker shall refuse to allow the claim if he/ she is so satisfied…. if you rule it does not satisfy, then that ends the matter,” she said.
“If I am satisfied, then I have to put the motion to the House for its approval and the House may then say yea or nay and if no, 18 members may stand and give their approval or non-approval,” Trotman explained.
The Speaker restated that he is not satisfied with the application to have the business of the House to be interrupted to facilitate the discussion and thus went on to refuse the government’s request.
Substantive motion
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