Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter
PARLIAMENT AGAIN failed to debate a censure motion brought against Transport and Works Minister, Robert Pickersgill, raising the ire of the Opposition during yesterday's sitting of the House of Representatives.
The censure motion, brought by Pearnel Charles, Opposition Spokesman on Works, accused Mr. Pickersgill of misleading Parliament on the amount of funds allocated to parish councils for roadwork.
Yesterday the Opposition described the postponement of the debate, and the absence of the Works Minister, as a delay tactic.
Deputy House Leader, Derrick Kellier, reported that the Works Minister had requested more time to make a statement to the House next week.
But Mr. Charles insisted the debate should be carried out, even if in his absence.
"I don't believe I have any obligation to wait on the minister to come to the House," he argued. "The resolution has been on this floor going almost a month. Last week it should have been debated."
He added: "Last week, I had a commitment, which was given to the country, that this matter would be debated today! I am prepared to debate the matter today and if the minister wants to stay away, that is his business and, if the numbers want to dwindle, that is their business. Our responsibility to the people of this country is to do the right thing!"
But House Speaker Michael Peart denied that the Government was trying to prevent the debate.
"I had discussions with the minister, just prior to the convening of this sitting, and the minister explained to me that, at the said sitting of the House, he had not concluded his presentation when the House was adjourned," Mr. Peart said.
ORDER BROKE DOWN
During the sitting at which the Transport Minister committed the alleged offence, order broke down and Deputy Speaker O.T. Williams brought Parliament to an abrupt halt while Mr. Pickersgill was still speaking.
After much convincing and a commitment that the motion would be debated next week, the Opposition relented.
