Parliament Reconvenes Today, Elects Speaker and Tackles Unfinished Businesses
The first meeting of the First Session of the 10th Parliament took place today at the House of Assembly. The business of parliament began at 10 a.m. and in attendance was President Charles Savarin, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, and newly elected members of the House of Assembly. It was the first time the House would convene this year following the recess that followed the December 6 general elections.
The first activity that took place on the floor of the House was the election of the Speaker and Deputer Speaker. Former Roseau Central MP Joseph Isaac of the DLP emerged as the new Speaker to replace Alix Boyd-Knights who served as Speaker for 18 years. Twenty-six-year-old Philip Rolle, grand-son of Alix Boyd-Knights, was elected as the new Deputy Speaker. Both Isaac and Rolle were sworn in after taking their oath of office.
New Speaker Joseph Isaac thereafter vowed that “I will give my full commitment to ensure an objective, transparent, and balanced debate in this honourable House.” PM Skerrit and President Savarin congratulated Isaac and Rolle for the appointment and charged them to discharge their responsibility fully to the House and the nation.
Nine other members of the House, including the Opposition, were also sworn in. These are:
President Savarin said there were “unfinished businesses” from last year that ought to be taken care of as quickly as possibly by the new House of Assembly. These included electoral reforms and issuance of voters cards among other national issues. The House ultimately got down to business to tackle businesses which included the –
- A bill for an Act to amend the Income Tax Act
- A bill for an Act to amend the Offshore Banking Act
- A bill for an Act to amend the Money Laundering Prevention Act
- A bill for an Act to amend the Proceeds of Crime Act
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