The Tribune

By KHRISNA RUSSELL

Deputy Chief Reporter

krussell@tribunemedia.net

HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie said yesterday it is "laughable" to suggest misogyny played a part in the disciplinary action he took in naming and suspending Englerston MP Glenys Hanna Martin in Parliament last week.

He also insisted he did not breach the rules of the House of Assembly, telling The Tribune there was nothing in the rules which demands a motion should be immediately moved to determine a specific course of action.

He said it is his intention to bring the motion when the House meets tomorrow, as one should be brought "within a reasonable time".

At this time, Parliament is expected to vote on whether the suspension should be extended for an additional two sittings or determine if the suspension from last week was sufficient.

During a press conference Sunday, not only did Official Opposition Leader Philip "Brave" Davis announce Mrs Hanna Martin will attend tomorrow's House session, but he said the opposition did not believe Speaker Moultrie's decision to name and suspend her comported or complied with the rules and procedures of the House.

He also questioned if misogyny played a part in Mrs Hanna Martin being suspended from Parliament under two separate Free National Movement administrations.

The Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP further indicated he may decide to speak with Speaker Moultrie regarding the Progressive Liberal Party's plans ahead of the start of House proceedings, so as to "avoid any lack of decorum" and to see "whether he understands what he has done".

"I am not speaking to this issue anymore in the press," Speaker Moultrie said yesterday when he was asked to speak specifically to the PLP's declaration that Mrs Hanna Martin would attend the House tomorrow.

"I will deal with the matter on Wednesday and I will table all of the documents that have assisted with me making my decision.

"It all will be revealed on Wednesday. They are suggesting, from the opposition, that I am in breach of the rules because a motion wasn't put, but there is nothing in the rules that suggests that a motion should be immediately put. A motion should be put within a reasonable time and the very next sitting of Parliament, which is Wednesday, the motion will be put.

"And in addition to that, rule 88 (3) provides the speaker with the authority to order a member's withdrawal from Parliament without a reference to the Parliament itself and the provisions of that rule has the identical punishment.

"So it's just a matter of technicalities that I see being raised because in any event, when Parliament convenes on Wednesday the speaker has the option to ask any member to withdraw from the Parliament."

When asked about the suggestion of misogyny, he said: "Well, what I will lay before the Parliament on Wednesday I think will paint a completely different picture (and) with respect to that claim (of misogyny), it's laughable."

Asked if it was likely Mrs Hanna Martin would be escorted by police from the lower chamber should she attend tomorrow, Speaker Moultrie said: "We'll see what happens."

However, the speaker said he had yet to receive formal communication from the PLP requesting a meeting.

The party on Sunday said the PLP supports "all lawful actions" by Mrs Hanna Martin to "ensure that this denial of her right to represent her people is reversed."

"We intend to go (to the House) and Mrs Martin I expect to be there," Mr Davis said Sunday. "I'm not going to allow her to be shamed in any way or disgraced in anyway or in any way to be embarrassed by any actions on the part of the speaker."

Mr Davis drew attention to rule 88 of the Rules of Procedure of the House, which requires a motion being made by the leader of the House, which in turn is to be voted upon to enable the suspension of a member. Further, he said that in order to be named and suspended, the member in question has to have committed the offences set out in the rules.

His announcement came days after Mrs Hanna Martin was named and suspended from further parliamentary sessions after walking out the House as Speaker Moultrie commented on her behaviour during previous proceedings.

The explosive scene at the House last Wednesday was sparked during discourse over comments she made the week before regarding the firing of two Eleuthera airport officials, which were ultimately stricken from the record.

At the time, Speaker Moultrie stated a decision on the period of the suspension would be determined and Parliament would subsequently be informed. Otherwise, he ruled that Mrs Hanna Martin is "not entitled to enter the precincts" of the House unless "otherwise determined by the House and this chair".