OBA’s Tucker: Lack Of Schedule Is ‘Concerning’
[Updated] “It is concerning that in this day and age, neither Houses of Parliament have a calendar of meeting dates,” Opposition Senate Leader Robin Tucker said, adding that a “calendar seems like a simple fix that can solve a big problem and ensure that all hands are on deck to do the peoples’ business.”
Senator Tucker said, “After the 2024/25 Budget debates in March, the House of Assembly reconvened on 3 May and debated the Bermuda Health Council Amendment Act 2024. This important Bill would have been debated in the Senate on 8 May, which was nomination day for the Constituency 10 bye-election contenders.
“The Senate meeting date was changed from 8 May to 15 May and agreed upon. Work and travel schedules were all adjusted to accommodate the new meeting date then a day later, notification was sent informing that the Senate will now reconvene on 29 May
“It is concerning that in this day and age, neither Houses of Parliament have a calendar of meeting dates that allow for legislators to firm up work obligations, business travel and other commitments which can be difficult to change.
“Legislators are committed to ensuring that the peoples’ business is conducted and the legislative agenda is advanced. However, it can be more efficiently done with the creation of a calendar from which everyone involved [e.g. legislature staff and civil servants] can plan and adequately prepare.
“Since there is no pre-set debate schedule the Government has within its remit to schedule and adjust meeting dates at their whim and without regard for any disruption it causes. But does it make it right?
“And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention times we have been brought in to discuss ‘urgent’ matters such as the the Motor Car [Classic Cars] Amendment Bill allowing residents to import and drive classic cars on our roads.
“Random changes to agreed parliamentary meeting dates is hugely disruptive not just for the Opposition but for everyone involved who must make themselves available to ensure that the legislative process is carried out and fully supported. It is not just the Opposition and others impacted by the scheduling issues, but there are times that work or travel conflicts arise from date changes that even some Government legislators have been unable to attend [re]scheduled debates.
“Having a calendar of parliamentary meeting dates for both the House of Assembly and the Senate is achievable if there is a willingness on the part of the Government to do it. Other jurisdictions, including the UK’s House of Commons has a schedule online that identifies the topics that are up for debate and when they will be debated.
“A calendar such as this would not only be a great tool for legislators but also for easy public access. A calendar seems like a simple fix that can solve a big problem and ensure that all hands are on deck to do the peoples’ business.”
Update 7.28pm: A Government spokesperson said, “The dates for the Sitting of the House of Assembly for each respective season [winter, budget, summer] are communicated in advance of the session. Where those dates are required to change, as much advance notice as possible is provided and most MPs work hard to adjust their schedules to fulfil their elected and appointed responsibilities.
“The Senate typically meets after the House of Assembly to consider legislation, and proposed dates can be changed with the permission of the President of the Senate, as was done due to the vacancy in the Senate due to the Bye-Election.
“The Legislature regulates its own procedure under the respective Standing Orders for both the House and the Senate.
“Changes to those rules is a process and should the Opposition wish to suggest such changes, they may find it more useful to actually engage in the business of the Legislature rather than media releases that achieve little behalf of the people the legislators represent.”
Opposition Senate Leader Robin Tucker does not realize that a calendar does exist, the OBA is just not copied on it.