$100M loan bill came to thwart our no-confidence vote — Walwyn
Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn has accused the government of introducing a resolution to borrow $100 million for infrastructural projects as a ploy to thwart an impending no-confidence motion from the Opposition.
During a House of Assembly debate on the loan resolution on Thursday, September 26, Walwyn argued that the bill lacked the necessary details for transparency.
“This thing was rushed. It was rushed to cut off the vote of no confidence. That is why it is as terrible as it is,” Walwyn stated, also criticising the government’s ongoing beautification and roadwork efforts.
“Bush cutting [happens] in town after 10 pm. You couldn’t get the bush cut at all, now they’re cutting bush at midnight,” he continued.
He added that the roads are being paved hastily to evade the repercussions of the no-confidence vote.
“All because you have a vote of no confidence coming and because they don’t want to be held accountable for their stewardship, they are now hustling to do a lot of things they should have done before,” Walwyn commented.
Other members of the Opposition, including Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton, echoed the sentiment that while they do not believe the loan is the best course of action, it requires more detail as a demonstration of good governance.
READ: Skelton criticises government’s resolution for $100M loan
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley successfully removed an Opposition-led no-confidence motion from the House of Assembly’s (HOA) agenda on September 3. The Premier argued that the Opposition did not follow the correct procedure.
Premier Wheatley cited Standing Order 23, which outlines the HOA’s procedure for submitting motions. He explained that the motion had been improperly placed on the order paper because it was not handed to the Clerk of the House, as stipulated by the rules. Instead, the notice was emailed to the Speaker, who shared it with the Clerk. The Premier stressed that this technical error invalidated the motion.
The Opposition’s no-confidence motion included 20 clauses detailing reasons why the current government should be disbanded.
Despite this setback, the Opposition still plans to initiate a motion of no confidence against Dr Wheatley’s administration in hopes of dissolving the House of Assembly and calling for an election.
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What a l** go back Antigua
looking power bad is why you talking so much
The powers at be really hell bent in putting this country in debt. Because some of this money could have come from other places. There is a nasty game playing and its on the people.
This administration not to mention the Ministry of Finance is incapable of properly spending this money. The people need to open their eyes and stop this ship we are heading straight for an iceberg.
This individual, with his unbridled ambition for the premiership, is clutching at every conceivable opportunity, betraying an insatiable appetite for power. He now finds himself outmaneuvered by the young Premier, who is revealing a strategic acumen far beyond what was originally expected. Even if the no-confidence motion were to succeed—which it assuredly will not—the opposition has shown itself to be utterly inept in the basic competencies of teamwork and collaboration. Their inability to unify behind a single leader exposes their disorganization and incapacity to govern. This spectacle of political disarray only serves to underscore their unsuitability for leadership.
Landscaping would be a better choice than ” bush cutting”.
Best none of these so called leaders get their grubby hands on any more money.
It’s clear to me that even if a no-confidence motion is brought to the HOA, it will not pass unless someone from the Government’s side cross the isles, and I don’t see that happening.
The Opposition simply does not have the votes; nevertheless a strong statement from the Opposition would have been sent.
With regards to the allegation that the roads are being paved hurriedly and bush are being cut after 10pm to head off an anticipated no confidence vote, is it possible that these things are being done because of the pressure and criticism from the Opposition and public at large as oppose to the government’s fear of a no-confidence vote?
IMO, I personally don’t care what hour the bush are cut or how fast our delipidated roads are being repaired. Their repair is long overdue, and they cannot be paved fast enough for me.
Same thing for the bush cutting. If they have to cut them all night, let them do so. Quite frankly cutting the bush at night makes some sense as the risk to the workers, drivers and pedestrians is limited.
The only issue I would have with cutting bush at night is inadequate lighting. I don’t want to wake up the next day with a bad bush cut. If the workers can’t see at night, I hope they are provided with all the lighting they can get to get the job done.
It’s about time something is done about the terrible roads we have been driving on for years. So if the government for what ever reason finally realize they have to fix the roads, I say hurry up, and keep it moving.
IMO, this criticism is nothing more than politics. The thirst for power is at it’s roots. Darn if you do; darn if you don’t.
Get on with it by any means necessary, fast or by night. Get it done. I personally don’t care about the how’s and whys.
Thank you for you objective analysis always balanced and precise.