The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

Tribune Staff Reporter

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

HOUSE Speaker Kendal Major suspended parliamentary proceedings and issued a scathing reprimand to arguing members on both sides of the House of Assembly last night, accusing them of “acting like children” – to the detriment of the national interest.

After suspending the House for five minutes following a heated shouting match that Dr Major tried several times in vain to control, he threatened to single out MPs for reprimand if it continued.

“I am deeply disturbed by the actions I saw here tonight,” he said. “I had an opportunity to speak to the House Leader and the Leader of Opposition business and I issued a warning to both; and going forth, I shall not suspend the House, I will start to name persons – one by one.

“And so let this be the last time we experience such disrespect and disorder in this place. The country doesn’t need this at this time. I’m not going to preach, but I’ll tell you, I’m not going to take this post as chair and Speaker of this honourable House of Assembly and watch you grown men and women, act like children.

“I’m not going to tolerate it. Let it be said, on the record, today. This is no game to me. I have high respect and regard for each of you, I expect that in return. So leaders, lead.”

The row was sparked in the middle of Montagu MP Richard Lightbourn’s contribution, when he claimed credit for certain national projects for the FNM.

Prime Minister Perry Christie rose on a point of order, and said Mr Lightbourn was not in the House of Assembly to hear the former FNM government try to claim credit for the Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

“That stadium came from this end – from my mouth,” Mr Christie said. “That’s where it came from – nothing else. The president of China acknowledge that on this recent trip.”

The prime minister also added: “The international airport is a PLP government affair.”

His comments sparked criticism from Long Island MP and FNM Deputy Leader Loretta Butler-Turner who took issue with Mr Christie’s comments.

Soon, a heated exchange broke out between several members of both parties over the airport and the stadium as Dr Major attempted to regain control of the House.

The government side questioned: “What did (the FNM) do?” as the opposition responded in kind.

“All members take your seats,” Dr Major was forced to yell over the din. “Members, take your seats!”

As his requests were either ignored or not heard during the heated argument, Dr Major loudly announced: “The House suspends immediately, for five minutes.”

The House resumed after the temporary break, when the Speaker noted at the end of his reprimand: “For the record, it (the suspension) had nothing to do with the member for Montagu who was on his feet giving a presentation.”

If there was a point of order, Dr Major said, “I’d like to continue from that point.”

Continuing, Mr Christie said he only rose to indicate that Mr Lightbourn was “incorrect” with respect to the Lynden Pindling International Airport and the Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

Mrs Butler-Turner also rose to say: “The only thing that happen to the Lynden Pindling International Airport under that administration was the slapping of the name on a new masthead out there.”

She also credited the prior Ingraham Administration for “mobilising” the work at the stadium.