The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Moses "Shyne" Barrow, is urging an amendment to the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives to guarantee adequate notice for parliamentary sittings and enhance governmental accountability.
In a recent House meeting on July 11th, 2024, Barrow raised a privileged motion highlighting issues with the current notice system for House sittings. The Opposition contends that the lack of a mandated notice period undermines their ability to hold the government accountable by limiting their time to prepare and submit questions to ministers, as outlined in Standing Order 19.3.
Barrow pointed out that the established protocol under the current Speaker, Hon. Valerie Woods, has typically provided a notice period of five clear business days before a House sitting. However, recent deviations from this practice have prompted concerns from the Opposition. Barrow emphasized that such deviations compromise the Opposition’s ability to effectively engage in parliamentary scrutiny.
During the session, Speaker Woods acknowledged the receipt of the privileged motion and recused herself due to the involvement of her chair. Deputy Speaker Hon. Marconi Leal then presided over the proceedings. Barrow explained that the insufficient notice provided for the last House sitting on June 27th, 2024, had forced the Opposition to miss the opportunity to pose critical questions to government ministers.
In his response, Prime Minister Hon. John Briceño assured that the notice delay was a result of human error and not an intentional oversight. He emphasized the government's respect for the Opposition and its efforts to maintain transparency. The Prime Minister explained that the urgency of the recent House sitting was due to necessary legislative actions and the impending refurbishment of the House premises.
Deputy Speaker Leal, after considering Barrow's arguments, determined that the privileges of the House members had not been adversely affected. He cited the Speaker’s previous response, which clarified that while the established protocol aims to provide at least one week's notice, the Standing Orders themselves do not specify a required notice period. Additionally, questions to ministers can be submitted at any time as per Standing Order 19.2.
Despite this decision, Barrow remains resolute in his call for a formal amendment to the Standing Orders. He argues that codifying a clear notice period for regular House sittings would prevent future misunderstandings and ensure that the Opposition can effectively utilize all available tools to question and scrutinize the government’s actions. This, he believes, is essential for maintaining a robust and accountable parliamentary democracy.
Barrow also noted that while the special sitting on July 11th was necessary for urgent matters, regular House sittings should adhere to a standardized notice period to safeguard the Opposition's rights and duties. He urged his colleagues in the House to support the proposed amendment, highlighting the importance of a strong Opposition in securing transparency and accountability within the government.
The call for an amendment to the Standing Orders reflects ongoing efforts to improve parliamentary practices and ensure that all members can fulfill their roles effectively. As discussions continue, the proposed changes aim to enhance the legislative process and strengthen democratic governance in Belize.
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