Dionne Rose, Parliamentary Reporter

National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

A Joint committee of the Houses of Parliament has agreed to acquire lands in the vicinity of Gordon House on Duke Street to facilitate the planned expansion of the current building.

The decision was made yesterday during the committee meeting set up to contemplate the improvements to the facilities of Parliament.

Committee chairman, Dr. Peter Phillips, in his opening remarks, stressed the need for the facility to be expanded.

"Facilities of the Parliament have not only attracted public attention but I think it is a matter that is on the minds of both the members of the House and the Senate. Obviously, the long-term solution is really going to rest on us having a significantly improved and expanded facility," he said.

Historic site

At yesterday's meeting, it was also decided that the new facility would be retained at Parliament's current site on Duke Street, which Dr. Phillips and committee member Fitz Jackson said is a historic site that should be preserved.

"Some efforts have been made to secure lands in the vicinity. We know who the land is registered with. We know that it is presently encumbered with residents - what we might call informal settlers - and that steps are on the way to acquire those lands," he said.

Lands adjacent to the north of Gordon House and Headquarters House to the south of Gordon House are also to be acquired.

The committee also set a six-month deadline for the engagement of a professional to design the new facilities.

Meanwhile, the committee will also be looking at how financing of the expansion would be sourced.

Committee member Senator Floyd Morris also stressed that the new facility should be disabled friendly.

"I just want to say in the whole designing of the new facility that due care (should) be given to ensuring that the facility is fully accessible to the disabled. I know that has been a sore point of this existing building," he said.

The committee also decided that the refurbishing and wiring of conference rooms should commence shortly.

Turning to security matters relating to the Parliament, Opposition members demanded the findings of a security audit which should have been conducted two years ago of the facility.

In response, Dr. Phillips said he would look into the matter and report back to the committee by January. He, however, noted that the issues regarding the regulation of the House, in terms of restricted spaces would have to be addressed by Parliament.