Smart sittings

Article by Shawn Cumberbatch

Parliament is exploring “alternatives” to traditional in-person sittings as Barbados continues to battle the coronavirus.

This was announced by Minister of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology Senator Kay McConney before the adjournment of yesterday’s two-hour Senate session at the Worthing Corporate Centre, Christ Church.

It followed criticism by Opposition Senator Caswell Franklyn, who accused the authorities of being “reckless” by dealing with legislation that should have been approved before.

Independent Senator Kevin Boyce also called for Parliament’s Standing Orders to be adjusted to facilitate Zoom hearings or some other use of the technology.

“I wish to inform that the Clerk of Parliament has informed that we are looking at alternative ways of meeting at a time like this, and the necessary discussions are taking place at the right levels to ensure that we have an alternative to meeting like this at the appropriate time,” said McConney, who was Acting Leader of Government Business. (SC)

Subscribe now to our eNATION edition.

For the latest stories and breaking news updates download the Nationnews apps for iOS and Android.