BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LEADER of Government’s business in the Federal Parliament the Hon. Eugene Hamilton said the Government would be taking steps to improve the decorum of the House. And while some individuals point to a number of “antagonists”, he said they are all members of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition including the Leader, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas.
During and following the last sitting of the House in particular, criticisms were laid at the feet of a number of Parliamentarians who, according to some, failed to conduct themselves properly and failed to show respect to the August body.
At least three names were mentioned to this media house – from both the Opposition and Government Benches. However, Hamilton is adamant that the former Prime Minister is one of the main culprits.
The excessive and distracting crosstalk, coupled with apparent disrespect for each other and for the Chair, seemed to have become commonplace.
In an interview with SKNVibes, Minister Hamilton said it is unfortunate that the Team Unity Government “inherited” a particular system in Parliament and that it is seeking to purchase a piece of equipment that should remedy the situation.
“It is unfortunate that we have inherited a public address system…a system in Parliament that allows for individuals sitting at their desks to be able to communicate over the airwaves when it is not their turn to speak. And the Government, we are currently looking into having the sort of equipment that you can control the mic for the person who is speaking. That is, the person who is speaking would have the mic and would not be disturbed, at least not over the airwaves, by persons who are having this crosstalk.
“It might take a little while but it is something that we are currently examining. In other words, when the Speaker gives someone the mic that person is the only person who ought to be heard on the airwaves.”
Hamilton accused some of the Opposition Parliamentarians of disrespecting the Speaker of the House.
“…It is quite evident that the Opposition Parliamentarians in particular are displaying no respect whatsoever for the Chairperson of the Parliament, for the Speaker. And I believe that they are deliberately doing it to make the Speaker take the ultimate action, which is to suspend them from the House. And indeed I will have no apology to anyone if the Speaker were to take the action to suspend them from the House for their conduct because they very well know that when the Speaker stands to his feet they ought to sit down and allow the Speaker to speak.
“And it is evident also that they do not pay attention. They do not conform to the rules of the House when the Speaker stands to his feet.”
The Member of Parliament admitted that both sides of the House are guilty of crosstalk and taunting, but indicated that “a little bit of bantering on both sides of the House is not unusual and it is fair. But the bottom line is when the Speaker interjects we all have to respect the Speaker. He is the one who guides the proceedings in the House”.
The Leader of Government Business in the Parliament indicated that Parliamentarians are responsible for their own conduct and he hopes that after all is said and done, no Member of the Government Benches would be found wanting.
“Every individual is responsible for his or her own conduct. I certainly have made it a point of duty since I came to the Parliament in 2010 to understand the rules and to apply the rules…and you will not on any occasion see me or find me in violation of the rules. Even the point where I got named in the last administration was not a violation of the rules.
“You would not find me in violation of the rules and I would hope and trust that when it all examined properly that nobody on the Government Benches would be in violation of the rules…”
