Chaos erupted in Parliament Tuesday afternoon as members of the Opposition staged a walkout following a ruling by Deputy Speaker of the House, Heroy Clarke.
The dramatic turn of events occurred after Clarke blocked Opposition Leader Mark Golding’s attempt to table a motion against Prime Minister Andrew Holness, concerning his statutory declarations.
Citing a breach of standing orders, the Deputy Speaker ruled that the matter was subjudice. Meaning it was now before courts. This sparked an uproar.
Mahiri Stewart tells us more.
As Parliament turned to members’ motions, House Speaker Juliet Holness, who is also the Prime Minister’s wife, recused herself from the Chamber.
Deputy Speaker Clarke then assumed the Speaker’s chair.
He initially allowed Opposition Leader Golding to introduce his motion.
But Mr. Golding’s effort was swiftly interrupted by MP Pearnel Charles Junior.
Charles Junior’s objection was upheld by the Deputy Speaker. He declared Mr. Golding’s motion inadmissible because it’s now before the courts.
Despite Mr. Golding’s persistent attempts to argue his case, Clarke stood firm in his ruling.
This left the Opposition frustrated.
And in a final act of defiance, Opposition members walked out of the chamber in protest.
Upon returning to the chamber, House Speaker, Holness explained her absence.
Meanwhile, Mr. Charles Junior slammed the Opposition for what he saw as an attempt to misuse the parliament to make headlines.
The Government MP, says the PNP will seek power at any cost, even the integrity of the Parliament.
Pearnel Charles Junior, Member of Parliament for South East Clarendon.
In the meantime, in a statement a short while ago, the Opposition PNP says its motion underscores a pressing need for accountability and ethical governance in Jamaica.
It says the motion cites a serious breach of the Ministerial Code of Conduct, established in 2002, which mandates transparency and ethical standards from members of the Cabinet.
The PNP says the Prime Minister has come under scrutiny for failing to disclose his investigation by the Integrity Commission.
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