Javascript Menu by Deluxe-Menu.com

SKNBuzz Radio - Strictly Local Music Toon Center
My Account | Contact Us  

Our Partner For Official online store of the Phoenix Suns Jerseys

 Home  >  Headlines  >  NEWS
Posted: Thursday 30 June, 2016 at 9:15 PM

Opposition Members register lack of support for Perkins as Speaker

Speaker of the National Assembly, the Hon. Michael Perkins
By: Terresa McCall, SKNVibes.com

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WHILE receiving a bevy of congratulatory remarks from Members on the Government benches regarding his ascension to the position of Speaker of the National Assembly, the Hon. Michael Perkins did not get the support of Opposition Members.

     

    The nomination and election took place this morning (Jun. 30) at the National Assembly where Perkins took the oath, expressing thanks to his well-wishers and promising to execute his duties to the best of his ability.

    “Honourable members, it is my intention as the Speaker of this Parliament to conduct the affairs of this Parliament to the best of my ability, to be fair, to be transparent, to be stern when necessary. I intend to engage Members of this Parliament more and more as time goes by as they make their presentations. 

    “It is my intention to the extent possible…demystifying the proceedings of Parliament. At times I feel that the general public becomes lost with some of the proceedings of Parliament and to the extent possible, I will try my best to simplify things especially for the listening audience.”

    Speaker Perkins said he looks forward to working with both those on the Government and Opposition benches and thanked both groups for what he termed their obvious support.

    “I will also like to thank the Honourable Members on the Government benches for supporting my nomination and subsequent election to this esteemed position, and the fact that there were no other nominations. I would also like to thank the Members on the Opposition bench for their obvious support to my nomination and subsequent election.”

    On the occasion of the adjournment, Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Number Three, the Hon. Konris Maynard rose to register his sentiments on Perkins’ election. He described Perkins’ statement about obvious support from the Opposition as presumptuous.

    Maynard said as a Member of Parliament, he does not feel there has been a balanced approach. And in giving an example, he explained that according to tradition and custom, when a new Speaker is being selected, the Opposition is consulted or engaged on who the nominee would be. 

    He however said that was not the case in this instance and indicated that he opposes Perkins’ election to the position of Speaker.

    “I wish to state again that a government who claims to be one for all the people, refuses to engage the Opposition in matters of our National Assembly. If this Honourable House feels that that is the best way to do the order of our business, I think we have a very long way to go.

    “So I therefore wish to note that as of now and based on your tenureship as Deputy Speaker, I cannot in good conscience support your election as Speaker…”

    Parliamentary Representative for Constituency Number Two, the Hon. Marcella Liburd supported Maynard and reiterated that the Opposition was not consulted on the matter and that because of the imbalance of the conduct of the House, she too could not support Perkins’ nomination and election.

    It must be noted however that when the motion was put before the House to nominate Perkins for Speaker, Members on the Opposition benches, who have the minority votes within the House, did not register any votes.

    Speaker Perkins was offered congratulations by Members on the Government bench, including Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris, Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Shawn Richards, Nevis Premier the Hon. Vance Amory, Agriculture Minister the Hon. Eugene Hamilton, Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Mark Brantley and Attorney General the Hon. Vincent Byron.

    Opposition Member the Hon. Patrice Nisbett also congratulated Perkins on his ascension and expressed his hope that fairness and balance would be hallmarks of the National Assembly.





     
Copyright © 2024 SKNVibes, Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy   Terms of Service