|
|
|
|
Last Updated: May 24, 2017 - 9:56:51 PM |
NASSAU, The Bahamas – Speaker of the Honourable House of Assembly, the Hon. Dewitt Halson Moultrie said Wednesday (May 24, 2017) that the Chair will ensure that Parliament is free to carry out its constitutional mandate, both on the floor of the Honourable House and also through its various Committees.
Speaker Moultrie also warned House Members that punctuality will be enforced going forward and that the business of the House of Assembly will be conducted “in an atmosphere of respect.”
“As a body, we are servants of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and as individuals are the servants and representatives of our constituents and as such have a moral obligation to those constituents,” Speaker Moultrie said.
“We have a moral obligation to treat them with respect. We are here to work on their behalf and we are to conduct their business in a timely fashion. In other words, we have a moral duty not only to show up for work, but to show up for work on time and be prepared to do the work when you arrive,” Speaker Moultrie added.
Mr. Moultrie, who was selected as the 54th Speaker of the House of Assembly, further charged that once appointed, each House Committee will be encouraged to carry out its mandate without any interference either from the Chair or otherwise. Those Committees are expected to be named “in short order.”
“I wish to remind Honourable Members that these Standing Committees are an extension of the institution. Parliament is not properly constructed until they are appointed. They play a very important role in the overall functioning of the Legislative Branch of our democracy.”
Speaker Moultrie said the business of the House of Assembly will be conducted in an atmosphere of respect.
“I charge all members to be courteous and respectful to the Chair. I charge all members to also be courteous and respectful to each other in the conduct of business in this House. Each member has been furnished with a copy of the rules of procedure, I counsel you to acquaint yourselves with the rules. I shall enforce them to the best of my ability and in such a way so as to ensure that dignity in this House is maintained.”
Speaker Moultrie said while he is “not unmindful” of the fact that the Chamber is a political arena and to an appropriate extent, a degree of latitude will be extended to allow Members to enjoy their engagement in the process, those engagements will not be allowed to descend to “unacceptable levels.”
“While it is not the intention of the Chair to stifle the process, or to render them dull and unexciting, the Chair will not allow the conduct of business of the House to descend to unacceptable levels. Any Member who disrespects the Chair and or habitually and intentionally breach the rules will be dealt with in an appropriate manner,” Speaker Moultrie added.
Moultrie Elected 54th Speaker of the House of Assembly
© Copyright 2017 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
