MPs trade insults - Acting Speaker refuses to swear in Dabdoub as new JLP member

By Balford Henry, Senior Reporter

Williams, Dabdoub, Smith and Henry

ACTING SPEAKER O.T. Williams left the House of Representatives in uproar yesterday, as both sides of the chamber traded barbs and insults over his decision not to swear in Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) representative Abe Dabdoub as a Member of Parliament.

Opposition MPs claimed that it was the first time that a Speaker had walked out of the House without adjourning the sitting. But, People's National Party (PNP) MPs claimed that Mr. Williams had adjourned the sitting before walking out.

Mr. Dabdoub turned up at the Gordon House at about 3 p.m. to be sworn in by the Speaker. He was declared the winner of the North East St. Catherine seat by a majority of 23 votes over the PNP's Phyllis Mitchell in the court on Friday. But, Mr. Williams, who had earlier agreed to swear in Mr. Dabdoub, changed his mind at the adjournment when the Opposition made the request, stating that it was too late.

The problem arose after Leader of Government Business, Dr. Peter Phillips, asked the Speaker to adjourn the House to next week Tuesday. He noted that the House was scheduled to sit today, but that in view of the fact that July 4 marks the anniversary of the birth of PNP Norman Manley, he proposed the adjournment to next Tuesday.

Leader of Opposition Business Derrick Smith rose and pointed out to the Speaker that Mr. Daddoub was present and was waiting to be sworn in. Mr. Smith pointed out that he had brought the matter to the attention of the Speaker earlier and that the Speaker had agreed to perform the swearing-in. He suggested that since the judgment from Mr. Justice Basil Reid had been received, the swearing-in should go ahead.

Mr. Williams admitted that Mr. Smith had brought the matter to his attention at about 2.20 p.m. and he had undertaken to swear in Mr. Dabdoub, if time permits. But, he said that, he had only received the judgment at 4.15 p.m..

"I have received it at 4.15 p.m. when other discussions and other matters were far ahead, which at this time it is 5.20. I wish to inform this House, that my decision is, according to the nature of the exercise, I am going by Standing Order 1(3), which states clearly that immediately after Prayer, new Members would have been sworn in," Mr. Williams said.

"It does not suggest that the Standing Orders are cast in stone, but I think the Standing Orders go on to guide me under Section 4(6), 'the Speaker in the House and a chairman of any committee shall have power to regulate conduct of business in all matters not provided for in these texts."

But the Speaker's explanation was greeted with loud laughter from the Opposition.

Opposition voices: "Nothing like that."

Mr. Williams said that he was asking that the House to accept his ruling that Mr. Dabdoub be sworn in next week. Mr. Smith asked the Speaker to reconsider in view of the fact that the Standing Orders could be easily suspended for Mr. Dabdboub to be sworn in.

Dr. Phillips said that the Speaker had already made a decision, which he thought was appropriate. He also advised the Speaker to seek the advice of the Solicitor General, in the meantime, as a notice of appeal had been filed in the Supreme Court and a hearing had been set for this morning.

The Speaker said he was guided by Standing Orders and was using his discretion. PNP members cheered him, while JLP members jeered.

Mike Henry (JLP, Central Clarendon) claimed that the PNP were in a rush to swear in Dr. Warren Blake after the 1997 General Election, despite the petition brought by eventually winner of the West Central St. Andrew seat, Andrew Holness (JLP).

Mr. Williams: "I just wish to emphasise that my decision is not a frivolous one. I am not guided by any dictates from my side or from this side. What I am guided by is the fact that a new Member of Parliament coming in Parliament, there is an abundance of exuberance. I know he would have been supported by people who wish him well. I know he would've liked his family and friends..." (More noise drowned the Speaker's explanation).

Both Mr. Chuck and Dr. Phillips rose to make points, but the Speaker left the chamber with several MPs on their feet. There were shouts of "no" and chants that "he is walking out". Mr. Williams left the House in a noisy uproar.

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