House: Speaker Asks For MP To Be Removed
[Updated] This evening’s [Mar 13] session in the House of Assembly saw an exchange on immigration reform result in Speaker of the House Randy Horton asking for Deputy PLP Leader David Burt to be removed from the House, which resulted in all the PLP MPs leaving.
The MPs were discussing an amendment to a motion on immigration reform and the Speaker blocked Mr. Burt from making a Point of Order on at least two occasions, with Mr Horton firing back, “Take your seat” and then calling for Mr. Fox, who is the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Following the Speaker’s call, Opposition Leader Marc Bean rose and said that Mr Burt had not done anything to be removed from the House, and if that was the case, they would all leave, and the PLP MPs left, and the evening’s session of the House ended shortly after.
30 second excerpt of the Speaker calling for Mr Burt to be removed
Mr Burt said, “The unfortunate events that took place in the House of Assembly this evening were precipitated by the Speaker’s disregard for or inability to understand the fundamental rules of parliament.
“The Speaker’s actions are making a mockery of the rules and privileges of the House of Assembly and our democracy. The most elementary tenet of parliamentary procedure is that motions and amendments are to be debated in the House.
“The fact that the Speaker of the House refused to allow debate on an amendment to a motion that was put to the House brings the entire democratic process into disrepute and calls into question the Speaker’s ability to properly discharge the functions of his office.”
7 minute excerpt of part of the exchange:
Mr. Burt added, “Further, after the Speaker twice refused to hear my point of order, he then refused to acknowledge me when I rose on a point of privilege, a right afforded to all members of the House.
“Without even hearing my point he proceeded to order me to be removed from the House of Assembly, which is an affront to the rights and privileges of all Members of Parliament.
“It is my hope that the Speaker will familiarise himself with the rules of Parliament, so that he can cease his pattern of not allowing members of the Opposition to be heard and start to enjoy the confidence of both sides the of the House. Impartiality is the necessary obligation of his office.”
Update 11.19pm: Audio of Mr. Burt speaking later this evening about the issue in the House
Update 11.37pm: Speaking later this evening Mr. Burt said, “I stood up on a Point of Order, the Speaker told me to sit down. I sat down. He ordered a vote on the motion without debate. That is not something that is allowed under our standing orders.
“After that point, I rose on a Question of Privilege which is something that every member has the ability and the right to do in the House. A Speaker has to hear a member’s point of privilege. When I rose on the Question of Privilege, the honourable Speaker said, “No, I do not recognize you.”
“The Speaker does not have that right not to recognize a member of parliament when they stand on the Point of Privilege. I remained on my feet and the honourable Speaker asked me to be escorted out of the chamber. At that point in time, all the members of the Progressive Labour Party left.”
When asked would be be back in the House for the next sitting, Mr. Burt said, “The House is back in on Monday. I will be in my seat on Monday morning at 10:00am, unless the Speaker would like to kick me out again, but I will be there at 10:00am, because we have important questions and important issues to discuss.”
Update: Following his interview, MP Burt contacted Bernews to clarify that he was in his seat when he was ejected from parliament.
Update: The OBA has not made any official comment on the matter yet, however did post this tweet last night.
Update: Premier Michael Dunkley said, “It is very unfortunate that the PLP Opposition walked out of the House of Assembly this evening as a result of Speaker Horton’s decision on House procedure. Their action deprived the Legislature, and the people of Bermuda, of a discussion on immigration matters.
“Members of the Legislature should know that when the Speaker rules his decision is final. Recently, when the Speaker made a decision that Government Members could not vote on an Opposition motion, we accepted the decision though we disagreed with it, and moved on.
“Mr. Burt’s comments this evening stand in stark contrast to his words last November when Government MPs protested the Opposition Leader’s bad behaviour toward a woman by not sitting in the Chamber during the Reply to the Throne Speech.
“Finally, there were vitriolic and threatening comments made by the Opposition Leader as he left the Chamber tonight. The Government will not be moved by this type of behaviour and will remain steadfast in our work for all the people of Bermuda.”
Update: In response to this matter, Speaker Horton told Bernews, “I am disappointed with the MPs comments, however any further comment from me will be in Parliament.”
Fire works in the house
“This is unacceptable behaviour from the Speaker of the house.”
Failure of the speaker to be knowledgeable on the rules that govern debate in the house is very concerning. Looks like Bermuda needs a new Speaker who effectively and capably carry out his role in the right manner.
This is an unfortunate turn of events.
It is clear that Mr. SPEAKER is suffering from a memory deficit….as it regards the rules of Parliament he is no longer a School principal and thus he is slipping big time back into that role……he needs to be remove…to have this address…..
Mr Speaker needs classes on basic rules. …
Speaking of basic rules and classes, you shouldn’t be throwing stones in that glass house of yours.
Good morning or is it?
Sad yes, but true!
Yesterday, (Friday 13th 2015) the House Speaker, Min. Randy Horton asked Opposition Deputy Leader Min D. Burt to be, (justifiably) escorted out… The Leader of the Progressive Labour Party started to sulk and like a child taking their ball home if they can’t have their way, left the Honorable House with his P.L.P. team Members
view, and listen for yourself…
https://soundcloud.com/bernews5/fri-13th-house-ends-abruptly
Awake says:
March 14, 2015
So the Speaker might be wrong in this case…I don’t know. HOWEVER, I DO know that, “This House is a den of vipers and I will take you all out”, from the mouth of the Opposition Leader (the one who MANY believe should run this country) as said to ruling party on his way out of the House with his puppy dog followers is INAPPROPRIATE and UNPROFESSIONAL. You want to say that Speaker Horton is acting like a high school principal? Tell me what then, do you feel Marc Bean is acting like! PLEASE
The Speaker may be wrong, but an MP has to respect his position. The childish behavior of the PLP, and this is not the first time they have walked out, is a good indication of lack of respect in the community and failure to obey rules. It is the same as a football match when a ref’s decision isn’t liked. Here it is rather appropriate that the Speaker is an ex Headmaster. I’m sure the under 10′s he had as pupils were better behaved. He should not let them back in until they apologise, then give each 100 lines.
How the Hell you supposed to respect something WRONG.
You must be one of those MPs, or a footballer who yells and screams at the ref then storms off the pitch. It is not the decision, but the status of the person. The Speaker should have the respect of his position as he is in control of the House. With your attitude you must be a real pain in the rear to all around you.
You’re saying that the Leader of the Opposition should not respect his position?
Or is it that you are saying that when things are even a little unfair poor behaviour and threatening remarks are called for?
You are Burt’s no. 1 fan Betty.
It’s quite sad.
Is it true that the honourable leader of the opposition shouted “This house is a den of vipers and I’m going to take you all out” as he left the chamber last night?
“My, my, my” are the familiar words spoken by Joe Brown at football matches “back-in-da-day”. Today we see the Opposition, (Progressive Labour Party) fanatics are writing in response to facts and acting up. Sad yes, but true.
They’re in rage over one of their elected members who didn’t agree with them nor anyone that agrees with House Speaker Min.Randy Hortons views are wrong…One can only feel sorry for u’lot
Maybe it is time for the speaker. To be. Removed
Isn’t the Speaker a PLP member still? I’m confused… If he’s gonna carry on like that, he might as well cross the floor!
He was elected as PLP, but when appointed Speaker he is to show impartiality. Whether or not he was misguided in this instance, remains to be determined.
If you listen to the exchange, the Speaker is clearly wrong. There has to be debate on an amendment to a motion. And the Speaker, flustered that he was wrong, removed MP Burt. This is simply embarrassing. The Speaker ought to resign.
Horton needs to read his own rules!
They can be found online here:
Burt was right, and the Speaker is embarrassing. He sounds very confused on the audio.
———————————————————
A motion [Standing Order 21] is a formal proposal that the House take action of some kind. Motions involve words like “Whereas” and “Resolutions”. The moving of and voting on Motions is the basic building block of parliamentary procedure.
A motion must first be moved by a Member, then (if necessary) seconded by another Member; the Chair then proposes the question which is debated by Members (The Member moving a motion speaks twice—once upon the introduction of the Motion, and again after Members have debated its merits. All others speak only once.) who may propose amendments (which are then also debated). When this process is finished, the Chair puts the question (as amended if necessary) and the House makes its decision.
——————————————-
Are there any rules about sitting down when so directed by the Speaker?
if mr speaker is part of plp…it sounds like some baby mama drama
Really!
As an old friend of mine from, “up-de-country” said in reference to the “walkout” by the “Opposition Party Poopers”
“Take advantage of the walkout O.B.A. and pass legislation that will fix the mess left by the P.L.P!
Burt is a…. Guess even the Speaker gets tired of listening to his pointless drivel.
MP Burt is a brilliant young man who knows the rules of Parliament better than most of the Season Politicans that have been there more than over 25 years…….this is what is up!
Is that the brilliant Mr “Lets use the pension money to invest in Bermudian Start-ups” Burt. Yes Quite Brilliant Betty.
Everyone needs a little start=up monet to get heir swizzle business going. Legal fees can be expensive.
That post sounds more like 30strong or Rocksolid’s work.
“tourist” view:
“A Hasty Pudding show. Kind of funny, big men in little shorts storming out the door . What next?”
This is an absolute disgrace. The speaker of the house should not be talked over. All MP’s need to show some more respect.
The Speaker is a disgrace.
Really….you need to listen and watch debates in other parts of the world. …you might learn a thing or 2…..Speaker Horton seems to flip flop from the rules when he wants. This would not take place no where else…the Speakers would be removed…must he suffer from Altimers. …memory deficit of the house rules in debate.
The art of debating. …….he has fallen flat
“Altimers” lol You tell them “diehearts” Betty.
It is so petty the way people correct grammar in these threads. You and those that commented below KNOW what is being said.
It is very condescending and has nothing to do with elevating the level of discussion.
Most people just read what is written phonetically in situations like this on all the other sites I visit.
People want to respond quickly and since this clearly isn’t rocket science a little grace should be given.
Wouldn’t you like to hear what people think especially if it’s a view you don’t hold? I would because there an opportunity to be enlightened when varying views are shared.
Altimers??
Time to find a dictionary. Lol
Oldtimers.
If that is the case, then why have you not brought it up here before.
Is it because it didn’t work out for you this time Burt fan.
“no where else”? “Altimers”? LOL
BUT MR.SPEAKER!!, I hope you are not deterred from commenting based on the responses some people leave under your posts.
I find that there are times when I don’t agree with everything people say on these threads but I enjoy reading the views of others because it gives me an opportunity to grow and for my view of certain issues to evolve.
COME CORRECT, JOHNBOY and AWAKE: Based on your posts it looks like your only purpose is to humiliate people and I’m sure that makes you feel a certain sense of superiority however I notice none of you wrote down the correct spelling.
Here’s more respectful and helpful response for future reference:
I see you wrote “altimers”, but the correct spelling is Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is very often misspelled because of the way it sounds. Some people say “old timers” too, and that is probably because many associate the affliction with the aging process.
@Make a new plan Stan……
No I am not deterred easily …i am used to the usual suspects on this site…..I was very much aware I mis-spelled the word…..it was NO error. …it was to get folks keyed in….I believe they would get it and focus on the mis-spelled word….
Thanks so much for your warm words and excellent comment. Look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
waaaaaa….waaaaaaa…we don’t get what we want therefore we all throw our rattles out of the pram….waaaaaaa
Well, I don’t know if what the Speaker did as correct or not because I don’t keep up with what all the rules are.
However, I am curious as to all the background talk, how what the Speaker did can be called the Government manipulating the house, and where the vipers came from.
I would also love to hear the OBA’s take on the situation, not that I expect them to say anything.
Its my opinion that our politicians (on all sides) that enjoy a higher level of enlightenment while pondering and contributing to Bermudas improvement…rarely speak or make headlined. For those folks,I give my thanks.
It’s not whether you support any party PLP or OBA it’s the rules of Parliament. The speaker was wrong wrong wrong. He really should resign after this fiasco. He is incompetent of being the speaker.
The UBP/OBA bloggers are quiet on this matter. Oh right they only speak up when it’s to speak negatively about the PLP.
#asfakeastheirOBAparty
It’s the UBP/PLP. Too. Just as many former UBP leaders in the PLP.
Horton must go!
None of Bermuda’s MP’s would last 5 minutes in Westminster!
I said it before and I will repeat it again the speaker of the house is playing one sided games with the people of this countries business,and yes I believe…. to turn a blind eye and death ear to the opposition.
** country’s business
***. Deaf ear
When one side is behaving like children he has to treat them as such.
If Mr. Horton the speaker of the house, is not going to allow the opposition to speak on a motion, then we might as well have a one party system. It is quite obvious that he does not know the rules of the house. It does not matter what party he is a member of,democracy
is suppose to reign.
If he continues in this type of behavior, he needs to be replaced. When Stanley Lowe was the speaker, everyone had an opportunity to speak, he did not show any bias. I agree with many, Mr. Horton this is not high school. Mr. Horton this is not a dictatorship, but a democracy.
Could be he had one piece to many of the rum cake
i get a kick out hearing MBean say ” we are all ! going home” reminded me when i was a child and playing marbles and one of us lost his marbles and got mad……
its a shame they are tasked with being the ” Royal Opposition”
I quite like them as the Royal Opposition. I hope they stay in that role for many years.
That sums it up. Even if the Speaker was wrong the PLP was still immature and childish.
So the Speaker might be wrong in this case…I don’t know. HOWEVER, I DO know that, “This House is a den of vipers and I’m going to take you all out!”, from the mouth of the Opposition Leader (the one who MANY believe should run this country) as said to ruling party on his way out of the House with his puppy dog followers is INAPPROPRIATE and UNPROFESSIONAL. You want to say that Speaker Horton is acting like a high school principal? Tell me what then, do you feel Marc Bean is acting like! PLEASE!!!
I agree with the Opposition Leader, as the OBA and Speaker horton have turned the House into a den of vipers. Sounds accurate to me. @Awake, you must be one of those OBA vipers is talking about. Randy Horton, from day one, has been on the OBA string, and its obvious to all who listen to House debates. He was wrong in his rulings and wrong to try and have Burt removed. Btw, the Opposition Leader is correct. He, along with the rest of us, WILL take the OBA/UBP out!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m going to take you all out…is a clear threat of violence.
Bean needs to go.
Sorry to disappoint you “Concerned Citizen” (yeah…right)! I’m far from being a viper. You don’t know me, so why ASSUME you do! Keep following the likes of Marc Bean, and you’ll soon see how far it gets you – further into the poo poo you’re already in!
My thoughts go out to Mr Horton and all those who have to listen to the constant whining and drivel spewed out by the opposition who’s motives are anything but honorable. Not an easy task. Empty vessels truly make the most noise. And now please hit the dislike button – let’s see if we can reach 100.
I am ashamed and disgusted with the behaviour of the ppl that serve us Role model material i dont think so
LOL
Burt and the PLP expect Horton to tow the line for the PLP even though he is supposed to remain impartial.
Now he is some sort of traitor and “needs to go”.
More proof the PLP should not run this country.
The Speaker did what the majority of Bermuda would like to do…remove Mr Burt or at least his mouth….if only the PLP would stay out of the house the peoples business would continue….no loss when the PLP leaves..
Sound like a blindfaithfulness OBAER singing off the OBA script…….the Brilliance of Burt is what your frighten off…….for real
Exam the real issue. ….the Speaker inability to conduct his rule in the correct manner…….failure to apply parliamentary rules consistently over the past several months. …
I think the word you meant was “examine”; maybe you should try that before you post.
The Brilliance of Burt?
lol
Thank you for the chuckle.
“The walkout wasn’t a walkout on Parliament but a walkout on the people of Bermuda.”
Remember when Burt said those words?
Oh yeah. “It’s different when we do it”. I nearly forgot.
Take it easy Betty.
I think she might have Altimers!
And Mr Burt prepares his objections in advance and recites them…a good vocabulary does not make a good politician….talking Parrot
Navin has just discredited his/herself with this ridiculous statement. Not that anyone expected much better..
What? The PLP will be returning to the House Monday morning “because we have important questions and important issues to discuss”
Is this the same party that boycotted the House of Assembly and threatened not to return until the Governor was recalled? He is still in residence at Langton Hill and they slinked back to the House on the hill.
Has the latest issue been sorted out? If not, will it be on Monday morning? If not we will certainly have a repeat performance!
lol not understanding rules, ignoring procedure, general incompetence…. Remind us what party culture the speaker was raised in again please
pop worse than toddlers. cant speak when doing an interview other than to spout loads of drivel, and as usual when called out, play the “i am taking my ball and going home” children game. as an observer the oba does a much more direct, clear and eloquent role when speaking
This is the PLP that have all the answers? The PLP simply don`t play by the rules of the House. Do Bermuda a favour and don`t come back , and if the PLP do come back,,, APOLOGIZE to Bermuda for failing HER from 1998 to 2012 !!!
Don’t hold your breath for any apologies…”The PLP simply don`t play by the rules of the House. Do Bermuda a favour and don`t come back.”
I am sure we don’t know the full extent of what took place. Right now, it does sound like the Speaker was out of order. I will however hold forming a full opinion until we know everything that conspired during this unfortunate incident. I ask that we all do the same.
Please take the time to view, and listen for yourself…
https://soundcloud.com/bernews5/fri-13th-house-ends-abruptly
The element here is the fact the Mr. Burt refused to sit down when told to do so by the Speaker.
To me even if the Speaker was wrong(which I doubt) rules are rules which everyone seems to be using for backup.
He (Burt) refused to take his seat.
He broke the rules.
Maybe that’s why the Speaker ejected him. (the rest was a sympathy strike/walkout)
Shalom
That’s what i got from it.
The speaker is well within his remit to do that.
This a very sad story, save for the opportunity it affords to rid ourselves of “Party Politics.” We all understand that “Party Politics,” in Bermuda, has only ever been divisive, but not just in serving political philosophy nor constituents’ needs. Even in our small country, the needs of citizens, in the various constituencies, though similar and sometimes shared, are also very different in many cases. An House of Assembly of elected representatives from each constituency working together, representing the interests of their constituents, rather than their party, would be a far superior and was a far superior form of democratic legislature for Bermuda.
Ending party politics won’t get rid of childish politicians.
Even so, it would take the people rejecting both parties to get that done. Neither party would make that change of their own will. And facts are that independents fail miserably to attract votes in Bermuda.
Quite possibly true, but it would change their focus to issues at hand rather than promoting a party strategy cast by a power hungry few.
Unlike many of those with an opinion here on the forum, I don’t know the rules of the HOA. Right or wrong, Burt got thrown out. There must be procedures in place to protest the speakers action.
As one who used to listen to the HOA whenever possible, I don’t anymore. Depending on who is speaking 5 or 10 minutes is about my tolerance level. The Speaker has a tough job listening to hours upon hours of pontificating & drivel not related at all to the subject at hand. The Speaker is supposed to referee what is said & somehow keep all rules abided by too, all on the fly.
Whether the speaker was right or wrong, the whole Opposition getting up & stomping out was wrong & childish to say the very least, IMO.
at the end of the day we know Mr Horton was out right wrong and very much disrespectful towards his fellow MP Member, after all this is suppose to be the place of decisions important decisions with all parties involved interacting and agreeing this process should not be taken lightly because it affects all of us as a people. I am really appalled by the way business is being handled in the house. And I see nothing wrong with Mr Marc Beans comment or decision to say what he said he simply put it in plain Bermuda language something we all could understand and it all boils down to devided we stand united we fall… All I have to say to Mr Marc Bean is keep being you that’s how you got to where you are today haters will always hate……
B/S. Min. Horton did his job as House Speaker in ejecting Min. D. Burt after having ask him to be seated…Rules are rule!
Rules don’t apply to the qlq. Their behaviour may be unethical but they insist the rules are never broken.
The problem with your comment is that rules are rules….
But Speaker Horton failed to follow them…heat part your having difficulty understanding. .
Ummm…I believe it’s Marc Bean who’s the hater here. When someone threatens to “take you all out” (as in what he said to the OBA MP’s when he took off like a child out of the House), he doesn’t mean “on a date”!
Thug
United we stand divided we fall is my correction
The Speaker needs to go, how can you not allow for Mr. Burt to debate on the subject.
Update: Premier Michael Dunkley said, “It is very unfortunate that the PLP Opposition walked out of the House of Assembly this evening as a result of Speaker Horton’s decision on House procedure. Their action deprived the Legislature, and the people of Bermuda, of a discussion on immigration matters.
“Members of the Legislature should know that when the Speaker rules his decision is final. Recently, when the Speaker made a decision that Government Members could not vote on an Opposition motion, we accepted the decision though we disagreed with it, and moved on.
“Mr. Burt’s comments this evening stand in stark contrast to his words last November when Government MPs protested the Opposition Leader’s bad behaviour toward a woman by not sitting in the Chamber during the Reply to the Throne Speech.
“Finally, there were vitriolic and threatening comments made by the Opposition Leader as he left the Chamber tonight. The Government will not be moved by this type of behaviour and will remain steadfast in our work for all the people of Bermuda.”
PLP all up in the face of the referee and not abiding by his decisions.
Petulant children, no respect.Bad examples being set.
No wonder we see the same thing on the local soccer pitches.
PLP all up in the face of the referee and not abiding by his decisions.
Petulant children, no respect. Bad examples being set.
No wonder we see the same thing on the local soccer pitches.” I agree 100% with you “campervan”.
This type of behavior leads to many of the reasons why there are constant fights amongst the so called “gangs/ wanna-be-gangsters”
I am one of the many who was listening to the debate during which the speaker in a fit of petulance brought the paliamentary procedures into disrepute. MP Burt was clearly in his right to raise an objection to a motion put forward by OBA Attorney General Trevor Moniz which was clearly intended to undermine The attempt by PLP Shadow Minister of Immigration Walton Brown which would have created a joint select committee to bring about reforms in Bermuda’s immigration policies. Speaker Horton was not on firm ground in this as was indicated by the long minutes of silence as the speaker desperately attempted to find a justification for his ruling; rebuffing even an attempt by the Public Works Minister Patricia Gorden-Pamplin which sort to give support to the Speaker’s ruling. The speaker was smart enough in that incidence not to take the advise of the OBA member of parliement; for clearly if he would have done so would have show in clear light the truly proximate he was to the ruling government party which after all recruited him to become the Speaker of the House.
For clarity, Mr. Williams, Patricia Gorden-Pamplin (sic) did not speak on this matter at all. The female voice you may have heard was from MP Kim Wilson, who referred to Erskine May.
What’s all the fuss about? The PLP motion would have not passed anyway. I heard it all last night and totally agree with Trevor Moniz and his reasons for not supporting the plp motion.
Question to the OBAers, Do you think the speaker was right or wrong? That’s the only thing we should be talking about on this blog. All the personal attacks on persons (on political/ party lines) is not necessary.
Whether the Speaker was right or wrong is not the only thing , who are you the blog police ? The fact that they walked out like children is a huge part of the story . Oh you disrespected me boo hoo , grow up , you are the Honorable opposition .
Basically…don’t go into Hortons house and pee on his shoes twice.
I can see the reason for the ejection.
He told him to take his seat.
Once again only Raymond is paying attention.
He did not.
He broke the freeking rules.
RIP Bermuda.
Of course they don’t. Anything that is against the opposition they will agree with. It the fear in them that blinds them.. you know, look at history.
Absolutely not true.
Thats like saying that because the referee ruled incorrectly, we should leave the field and threaten everybody there !! I have no clue if Horton was wrong..maybe he was…but, in the House, he is the ref. Deal with it within the rules….and I do not think that includes stamping feet. walking out and threatening other people !!
Frankly, the last point should get Bean tossed in front of Kawaley….the hell with Horton !
Can’t you read?
As I understand the Rules (Erskine May), any Point of Order MUST be immediately addressed by the Speaker when called and the Member should not have been denied and told to take his seat.
This is regardless of whether another has the floor or whether the Motion on the floor will pass or fail.
Also if the Main Motion is debatable, then any amendment to that motion must also be debated before the vote.
Therein lies the issue as I see it, you cannot follow the Rules partially.
Your a “Gombey” hiding behind a pen name.
Yeah right.
LMAO Perhaps but the fact of the rules remain.
Well, there are two issues. 1) The Speaker may have violated the rules. 2) Rather than address it in a respectful adult manner the PLP chose to throw a tantrum.
I agree Onion, would have been more mature to have remained in the House and challenged the ruling than storm out.
Who was right or who was wrong is almost irrelevant at this point — it’s just another example of how immature and ridiculous both parties have become. Bermuda government is becoming a laughing stock. And this is the image we want to portray to the world — or even to the Bermuda public in general? We deserve better.
So true, the island deserves better. Vote GLP. LOL
It seems that the PLP can’t play by the rules of the speaker of the house whoever the speaker is. Childish reaction in walking out when Burt was told to go. PLP a real disgrace, remember the PLP have really short memories on what damage, especially when Brown was in charge. Zlatan Imbrahimovic called Chelsea a bunch of baabies during the week, so are the PLP. Grow up the PLP children.
Well I am not an expert on the rules of the HOA either but I am a stickler for following rules and process in general. And in a democratic society as we claim to have this is important. If it appears that the Speaker is wrong having a vote on an amendment after the fact on with some type of negative resolution rather than democratically debating it, than our democratic process for governing is indeed being compromised is it not?
What happens it the Speaker is proven to be wrong at this juncture? He can’t continue as it taints the whole process. Premier Dunkley says when the Speaker rules, it’s final. Really? Even if he’s wrong??? Sounds like he doesn’t care much for process and the true tenants of democracy either. He should be more concerned whether the rules are correct or not. Not attack the Opposition who were just simply clarifying the rules. And if the Premier uses the last time this was done as some type of supporting anecdote well if the process was wrong then, it’s still wrong now! How do you debate AFTER a vote? An investigation should be done. Because at the end of the day, we the people have lost out in this mess of a process.
Well said @Just a Matter of time and @Gombey Liberation. …..excellent points put forward….
In reference to other matters spoken about in the Honourable House:
Junior Home Affairs Minister Sylvan Richards hailed Government’s progress on immigration during the Budget debates, despite questions and challenges from the Opposition.
Delivering the Budget brief, Mr Richards noted the introduction of a new work term policy, which requires that employers advertise openings on the jobs board for eight consecutive days in addition to the newspaper.
The policy also requires companies to list any Bermudians who apply for a position and why suitable candidates were rejected.
Also an opinion of “Bermudaguy”.
“Apparent systemic abuse” of domestic workers and employers who issue misleading employment advertisements to discourage Bermudian applicants”? Hahaha!
How about the abuse of people who don’t want a job and have too many reasons to stay on social assistance. I’ve met plenty only this week!
Give me a break!
The PLP are a TOTAL embarrassment to BDA!!! Burt should have been given a “suspension”!!!
I’d love to introduce the first order batsman ,Speaker of The House Mr. Randy Horton to the four horsemen of the apocalypse”: Michael Holding, Andy Roberts, Colin Croft and Joel Garner. Without the benefit of pads or a helmet of course !
First they came for…………and I said nothing, because I wasn’t…….
……..,
Then they came for me, and there was no one left to speak
Who are you talking about? The union that wouldn’t let its members vote last week?
At least today we can speak. When PLP was in power we couldn’t speak because we would simply be accused of racism.
DREB is now in exile and all is good. Pathetic PLP losers will do just about anything.
Grasping at straws does even begin.
DREB is not in exile. He is the one pulling the strings of the puppets. Remember his rallying call at the BIU Banquet last year – “we must take back the Government by any means necessary” (or words to that effect). Puts some meat on the threats from Marc Bean as he left the House on Friday.
See here… we pay you to do a job… failure to do it means i or we who pay you wish to retract one full days salery to those who caused this failure. Walking out is not an option. Walk out… stay out… i will arrange for a proxy of independant polies to temp you retractionn of services… a govt. Cannot stop for foolishness!
It is a two party system… work cannot come to a halt for this foolishness… i the great. Mumbojumbo…. do request and require a party of proxy polies any and every time this happens, monies from offending party to pay for them.
This is nonsense.
The issue related to s.24 of the Rules (which the Speaker rightly quoted when asked) this is a section dealing with “Amendments”, The A-G moved an amendment to the motion. THAT is what is then voted on without a DEBATE (that is a very simple Rule of procedure!)…the Opposition lost the plot here and for all the fomenting they actually failed to understand or were unwilling to follow the Rules so they created a side show complete with Beans threatening and offensive words as he left the House!
Read it for yourselves PLP die hards rather than just accept what Burt says and Bean yells about! They continuously insult their own supporters intelligence!
Thanks “Balance Facts”, I don’t believe anyone could have presented it any better: “Read it for yourselves P.L.P. “die hards” rather than just accept what Burt says and Bean yells about! They continuously insult their own supporters intelligence!” End of topic.