Premier insists HOA sitting was not ‘illegal’

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has refuted assertions from the parliamentary opposition that a recent House of Assembly (HOA) sitting was illegitimate because of a procedural breach, arguing that established conventions were followed.

During an interview on ZBVI News, Premier Wheatley addressed concerns raised by Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, who highlighted that HOA regulations mandate a 10-day notice before a sitting, but in this instance, only eight days’ notice was provided to members. Turnbull contended that the sitting was, therefore, in contravention of the rules.

In response, Premier Wheatley clarified that the situation was not unprecedented. He explained that, according to the Speaker’s ruling, a sitting can proceed without the standard 10-day notice if there is consensus among members. “What the Speaker’s ruling said is that if you are going to have a sitting without the required notice, it must be by convention,” he stated.

According to the Premier, the Opposition nearly postponed the sitting when they raised their objection because the Speaker pointed out that once there was an objection, she would have to enforce the 10-day notice period.

“Now, the question is, why would the Opposition object when we know that we are a jurisdiction that has financial services and that there were readings on the order paper which were important to the financial services industry and which were time-sensitive?” Premier Wheatley asked.

He accused the Opposition of impeding the work of the government and the financial services industry. “I heard them on the radio trying to explain that that’s not what they were seeking to do. But in essence, that’s what was taking place there,” he argued.

Dr Wheatley further explained that he consulted with the Leader of the Opposition, who agreed to proceed, leading the Speaker to instruct the clerk to issue the summons. Following discussions, the sitting continued, and Premier Wheatley expressed gratitude for this outcome.

“Their objection would have caused those forced readings to be delayed on a time-sensitive matter. And thank God, good sense prevailed.”

Sixth District Representative Myron Walwyn suggested that while the Opposition agreed to proceed in the country’s interest, the Premier’s initial violation remained significant.