House Speaker lectures Opposition

As she outlined all of the provisions of this Standing Order, Annisette- George stated, “I have previously ruled that our continuous concern about heinous crime does not satisfy the requirements of this rule and I stand by my ruling.” She explained that to qualify as an definite matter of urgent public importance for the House to set aside its normal business, an issue must have suddenly arisen, is specific in nature and is of current national concern.

“While serious crime is undoubtedly a public concern and therefore satisfies the third requirement, it does not satisfy the other two requirements due to the broad scope and ongoing nature of the issue,” stated Annisette- George. She reminded the Opposition that it has filed a motion in the name of Naparima MP Rodney Charles that deals with the issue of murders and all MPs will each have a total of 45 minutes under the Standing Orders to contribute to that debate.

Charles’ motion is the last of five private motions listed on the Order Paper for debate.

At last month’s Private Members Day sitting of the House, debate began on a motion by Couva South MP Rudy Indarsingh on employment.

The Opposition has the ability to suspend debate on one private motion in favour of another on Private Members Day