Earl Moxam, Senior Gleaner Writer

New Speaker of the House of Representatives, Delroy Chuck (standing centre), is 'dragged' to the Speaker's chair, in the traditional fashion, by government House members Rudyard Spencer (left) and Christopher Tufton. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Having spent much of his 10 years in Parliament as part of the Opposition's Shadow Cabinet, Delroy Chuck fully expected to be included in the first Jamaica Labour Party Cabinet in 18 years. He had been one of the more vocal Opposition spokespersons, first on education and later on justice.

It was therefore a great let down for him, initially, when Prime Minister Bruce Golding informed him that he had a different role in mind for him.

"Speaker?" he asked incredulously.

"Not only was I stunned, but I was, to be frank, quite disappointed," the MP for North East St. Andrew told The Gleaner yesterday.

Not one to hold back his opinions, the respected lawyer told his party leader that he wasn't keen on taking the Speaker's chair as he had his mind set on a ministerial assignment, participating in policy formulation and implementation. Furthermore, as a keen participant in the cut and thrust of parliamentary life, he had never envisioned himself in the role of chief disciplinarian presiding over what is sometimes a rambunctious Chamber.

Three and a half weeks later, however, as he settled into the high seat for the first time yesterday, an unknowing observer might have thought this was the position for which he had been preparing for the past decade.

Troublemaker in Parliament

The self-proclaimed "troublemaker in Parliament" was now daring members on both sides to cross him at future sittings.

"I will demand and ensure that the debates be conducted in the highest tradition of parliamentary practice, with civility and decorum and respect," he told the newly elected members, adding that he would not be reluctant to use the gavel to restore order or even to adjourn sittings "to cool tempers" where necessary.

In announcing his intention to have Mr. Chuck appointed Speaker, the Prime Minister had acknowledged that, with the two sides in Parliament so close, numerically (33-27 for the moment), he needed someone with a keen intellect and experience to keep the sittings on an even keel.

While conceding that there were many issues that divided the two parliamentary groups, the new Speaker called on them to "find common ground, mutual interests and agreed policies" for the benefit of the society.

Looking relaxed in his office and at peace with his new role, after the sitting ended, he told The Gleaner he now embraced it and respected the sincerity of the Prime Minister's intentions.

Prime Minister Golding also announced at yesterday's first sitting of the new Parliament that the position of Speaker would be upgraded to Cabinet rank, thereby enhancing the prestige of the job.

Golding is, after all, the son of Independent Jamaica's first Speaker, Tacius Golding.