SPEAKER of the House of Assembly Michael Carrington was “terribly disrespected” by Opposition Leader Mia Mottley and St Andrew MP George Payne who were spurred on and commanded by former Prime Minister Owen Arthur.
Leader of Government Business and MP for St Michael North West, Chris Sinckler, said the Opposition had shown utter contempt for the House and the Speaker in Parliament yesterday.
“What we have had for all to see is a common display of arrogance and downright bad behaviour by at least two senior members of the House who should at least be setting an example for younger and more newer parliamentarians in the House of Assembly yesterday,” he said.
Sinckler reminded Mottley, in particular, that the rules of the House had to be respected.
“Who is Miss Mottley? Who is Miss Mottley that she believes she does not have to follow the rules in Parliament?
“You are free to speak in Parliament as an elected Member but you do not have the right to just get up and speak on whatever you want, however you want, and if ever you want.
“There are rules, and the same rules that govern us, are the same rules that govern the Opposition. And that is what Miss Mottley needs to understand. I have no doubt she does, but this political game of pretending you can ‘rabble-rouse’ anyone in Barbados because it suits your purpose is just not on.”
Sinckler said yesterday’s drama in the House was political gamesmanship gone awry and a sad reflection on politicians and certainly on the Opposition.
He noted that Parliament was no Sunday school but felt it was disrespectful not to step back when the Speaker rose to indicate he was asserting his authority.
“The Leader of the Opposition and the Member for St Andrew displayed blatant disregard for the rules of the House. They were on their feet when the Speaker himself was on his feet when the convention is that so long as the Speaker stands, all members are to be silent.
“It sends a terrible message to young people in this country; indeed, to all people in this country. Democracy in Barbados is not under threat. What is under threat is good manners, decent behaviour in the House of Assembly and the ability to understand that when rules are established, that those rules must be followed.”
