The newly formed political Alliance launched just a couple weeks ago, showed up at the House of Assembly session yesterday Tuesday, February 11th with an obvious renewed, united vigour for the people’s business.
With a no nonsense attitude, they moved a motion for the Second Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth HoA to be suspended due to a breach of the Standing Orders.
Opposition Members Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6), lead an immediate challenge against the entire proceedings, arguing that the government had failed to adhere to the mandated 10-day notice period, further claiming the procedural lapse rendered the session, and all legislation under consideration, invalid.
The Motion tossed the HOA into recess with the Speaker returning a ruling that the Sitting would have to be suspended.
Opposition Leader Erred
Opposition Leader, the Honourable Ronnie Skelton rose to support the Premier, confirming that he did in fact meet with the Premier, and based on his calculations, thought that the required ten (10) day requirement was met.
“I don’t know what happened” said the Opposition Leader during the fracas.
However, it was not the first time the Opposition Leader had made such an error. In the latter part of 2024, the Opposition Leader had also erred in laying a Motion of No Confidence against the Government during a HOA session.
The Premier moved to quash the Motion successfully.
Procedural Objections Cited
Honourable Mitch Turnbull, quoting Standing Order 8-1-D, told the Speaker, the Honourable Corine N. George-Massicote,
“We received notice for this sitting on the 31st of January 2025. By my calculations, that is either seven or eight days' notice, which is a clear violation of the Standing Orders."
Honourable Myron Walwyn stood to back his colleague, diligently as always, dissecting the interpretation of "clear days" in parliamentary procedure, and argued,
“If the summons came to us on the 31st and you followed the Standing Orders as we should, then Saturdays and Sundays should not have been included, meaning this notice period stands at eight days. There is no curative measure in the Standing Orders for this situation. As we say in law, it is point ab initio—from the beginning. The procedure was not followed, and thus, this sitting should not be happening today."
Premier Gets Dose Of Own Medicine - Calls Foul
"I have never before in my life witnessed such an unhelpful set of members in this Honourable House as it pertains to financial services matters. We have a Mutual Evaluation Report; The post-observation period finishes on February 21st. The lifeblood of our financial services industry depends on us being united, and yet, here we are again, dividing the House on national issues." Premier Wheatley scolded the same Opposition Members who had worked tirelessly to ensure financial services mattered were handled late 2024. Opposition Members who, although the Premier moved to toss out their Motion of No Confidence on a technicality, still remained in the HOA session to ensure the financial services matters laid by then Minister Lorna Smith, were heard and handled.
Premier’s Lack Of Preparation Not An Excuse To Break Rules
Our newsroom understands that the said financial services matters could have been on the Order Paper, and received first readings prior to yesterday’s sitting.
This urgency once again brings the magnitude of the Premier’s portfolio to the front and puts on display his inability to handle it.
"If we abide by what the Alliance says, our financial services industry will go down the drain. Any matter in the Standing Orders can be suspended by motion; You, Madam Speaker, preside over this House, and where the Standing Orders are silent, you have the authority to act." the Premier further stated in an attempt to pressure the Speaker to see it his way.
It was late last year when the Premier used a technicality to subvert democracy by laying a motion to suppress a Vote of No Confidence on his Government.
To date the Motion has still not reappeared on the Order Paper.
Walwyn Pushes Back On Premier’s Justification
Hon Walwyn, accused the Premier of misleading the public.
“The Premier is giving the public the impression that members are trying to stymie the progress of the country, which is false.” Hon. Walwyn
Further stating that “Justice must not only be done, but it must be seen to be done. The Member for the Second should be given an opportunity to challenge the Premier’s claims."
However, the Speaker denied the request, citing Standing Order 37, which limits members' rights to respond during such deliberations. Hon Walwyn was displeased in this response, and continued, "The Premier raised new matters that were not discussed in the original exchange. The member for the Second must have the right to reply. This is about fairness and transparency."
The Speaker however called for order and upheld her decision to deliberate before making a ruling.
Opposition Leader Folds
Speaker George-Massicote in acknowledging the Opposition’s concerns, reminded the House that past special sittings had often been preceded by agreement between the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition.
"Yes, we have had sittings where adequate notice was not given, but most times, that was by agreement. Convention has played a role in ensuring the business of the House proceeds." the Speaker said
“It was agreed that there would only be a first reading of bills and that the Order Paper would be reordered and it’s either we do it this way, Madam Speaker, or we adjourn it until we satisfy the requirements of notice. Hon Ronnie Skelton
“We have agreed that the first reading of the financial services matter will be done today and then on Thursday we come back for questions and the statements will be done after the questions.” Opposition Leader Hon. Ronnie Skelton.
The Speaker then asked Hon Skelton if he was speaking for all the Opposition Members.
“Well, yes, if I am not speaking for anyone please stand up.” After no one stood, Hon Skelton said with a smile: “I think I am speaking for all.” Skelton responded.