JLP condemns conduct of Brown Burke during parliamentary sitting

By Kimone Witter   

 

 

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has condemned the conduct of Opposition Member of Parliament Dr. Angela Brown Burke who disrupted parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday night by holding onto the mace.

 

The incident occurred during the clause by clause examination of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) Bill.

 

In a statement, the JLP said removal of the mace is a clear breach of Parliament's Standing Orders and tantamount to disorderly conduct.

 

JLP Communication Chairman Senator Abka Fitz-Henley has also criticised Dr. Brown Burke for her initial refusal to leave the House after she was named by the Speaker, which he says is a violation of the Standing Orders.  

 

"The conduct of Angela Brown Burke in interfering with the mace was most disappointing, unfortunate, and disgraceful. And what makes matters worse is that Brown Burke attempted to disrupt the sitting of the Parliament, which was meeting to consider the very important matter of a piece of draft legislation which is intended to assist Jamaicans to recover stronger and build back communities in the aftermath of the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa," he lamented.

 

Senator Fitz-Henley added that the actions of opposition parliamentarians who stood guard around Dr. Brown Burke as she refused the Speaker's instruction to leave, were unacceptable. 

 

"What was particularly disturbing as well was the behaviour of Brown Burke's colleagues who appear to support her imprudent and unacceptable conduct. But Jamaicans who have been observing how the PNP has practiced its politics under the leadership of Mark Golding should not be surprised. Clearly, they are tolerant of disorder and indiscipline, and are prepared to resort to underhanded tactics in order to fetter policies and draft legislation which are the best interests of Jamaica," he argued.

 

The government secured passage of the NaRRA Bill on Wednesday morning with 31 votes in favour to 15 against. Sixteen lawmakers were absent.

 

The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.