HOA Speaker, Deputy Premier get praises from legislators

Deputy Premier Lorna Smith and House of Assembly Speaker Corine Georges-Masicotte seem to be making their mark within the male-dominated space of representational politics, as both have received commendations from their fellow legislators.

During the budget debate which took place last December, all legislators who rose in the House commended Speaker Massicotte — who is holding the seat for the second time — for her professionalism and diligence throughout the Standing Finance Committee process where civil servants worked with elected leaders to finalise this year’s budget.

“Madam Speaker, I pivot back to how amazing of a job I believe you and the staff of the House of Assembly did (during the budget process), given the limited resources you have. It’s all good and well to say do more with less but I think you guys have been able to do the impossible with almost nothing,” said Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull.

“Like all those who spoke before me, I want to congratulate you and your team Madam Speaker, for what I believe was a sterling job. The way in which you conducted the affairs of Standing Finance and for the efficient manner in which your staff produced the requisite documents we needed for the (budget debate),” Walwyn said.

Similarly, members of the government and Opposition praised Deputy Premier Smith, who they said did a stellar job covering for Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley who was absent for most of the budget process.

Walwyn said Smith ensured her Ministry was examined during the budget process before leaving the territory to conduct official business.

He said this was a smart, responsible move by Minister Smith and very different from the actions of Premier Wheatley who was absent.

“I have to commend the Deputy Premier because she ensured that her ministry was examined (during the budget process) before she went off on business. That is a smart and responsible person.”

Likewise D8 Representative Marlon Penn applauded the Deputy Premier, saying she was steadfast throughout the budget process and supported the Opposition well as they moved the budget process along.

He also hinted that there were times when Smith was the only government member who was present in Standing Finance meetings, along with Opposition members.