Historic change in choosing Speaker
Barbados is poised to mark a significant milestone in the history of its 385-year-old Parliament on Friday when a Speaker chosen from outside the House of Assembly takes office.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley announced the change in November, aimed at reforming the parliamentary structure.
The Speaker, responsible for presiding over proceedings in the House, is expected to be named soon, with speculation pointing to former Speaker and attorney Arthur Holder, who served from June 5, 2018.
Holder announced his resignation from elective politics after Parliament had been dissolved last month, making way for the February 11 General Election.
Clerk of Parliament Pedro Eastmond confirmed yesterday that the constitutional amendment was debated and passed in the Lower House on November 24, and subsequently passed by the Senate December 15. It was gazetted three days later.
The changes also permit senators with ministerial roles to participate directly in House debates and allow the Attorney General to speak on any matter in both Houses. However, he has no vote in the Senate.
Parliament is set to reconvene on Friday with an official opening ceremony, where the Government is expected to introduce the Appropriation Bill. Estimates debates are scheduled for next week.
The Barbados Labour Party Government has announced plans to extend an invitation to the Democratic Labour Party to select two senators, as per the Constitution.
Eastmond said the invitation would be extended through the President, but was unsure if it had been done as yet.
The President will also appoint seven Independent senators.
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