Opposition Leader Presents Privileged Motion During House Sitting
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
And, this morning Barrow presented a privileged motion, following Speaker Woods’ decision to strike down his No-Confidence Motion. A privileged motion is a proposal that allows a member to discuss what they believe is a violation of their freedoms in the House. These motions are granted precedence over the ordinary business of parliament. Speaker Woods noted that it would not be appropriate for her to preside over the motion because she was its subject. Marconi Leal, the Deputy Speaker, presided over the matter which was not short of the usual theatrics inside the House.
Moses “Shyne” Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
“The privileged motion that is before us arises based on Standing Order 29 (1), (2) and (7) which allows a member to raise matters relating to privileges in the house and the matter at hand Mr. Speaker is the erroneous and most regrettable decision to stop me from presenting the no confidence motion against the prime minister and government at today’s sitting. Mr. Speaker, unlike some of the elitist over that side, this house does not belong to the rich and powerful and the political cronies. This house belongs to the people and as the Leader of the Opposition; I represent thirty-one consistency. What is the point of order?”
Prime Minister John Briceño
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Yeah but you have to sit.”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“I can’t sit until you say what the point of order is.”
Prime Minister Briceño
“Point of order Mr. Speaker is the leader is presenting a motion but he…”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“The standing order is right here, if you are going to claim a point of order, give us the number of the point of order.”
Prime Minister John Briceño
“Under a privileged motion he needs to read his privileged motion and not just come and act for TV. He needs to read the motion, he nuh deh pan TV right now or no documentary Mr. Speaker.”
Moses “Shyne” Barrow
“Mr. Speaker, this poor excuse for a Prime Minister has been here for thirty years and he should know better that when you rise on a point of order, there is a standing order book. Mr. Speaker on a point of order, I will address the speaker leader of the opposition. Stick to the point of the debate, you are suppose to read the privileged motion, read the privileged motion, don’t go all over the place, read the motion and let the speaker make a decision. That is what you are here to do, not to act for the camera.”
In the end Barrow’s privileged motion was struck down by the Deputy Speaker of the House.
