Speaker to pronounce on consequences of no-confidence vote

Dec 30, 2018 News

Speaker of the House, Dr. Barton Scotland, is likely to make pronouncements on the consequence of the historic no-confidence vote against the Coalition Government when the next sitting

No-Confidence Vote: Charrandass Persaud

occurs Thursday.
The all-important statements of the Speaker will likely set the road map on how the Coalition Government proceeds with the December 21, 2018 no-confidence motion which has caused it to fall.
Government is currently examining its options, including legal advice on whether the vote was carried.
Government is also reportedly being advised on allegations that Member of Parliament (MP), Charrandass Persaud, took money from the Opposition for voting in the affirmative.
On December 21, last, in the National Assembly, a nation was left stunned after a no-confidence motion filed by Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, was carried as MP Persaud voted yes. He was a Government MP, part of the Alliance For Change.
The vote was conducted again after some disruptions and Persaud said a loud “Yes, yes, yes” to the no-confidence motion.
He claimed afterwards that the AFC had become “yes men” and he was forced to vote on critical issues along party lines, without much choice.
Following that vote, the AFC has expelled Persaud, who left hours later on a flight to Canada.
He reportedly had given up his law office in Berbice and sold his Prado.
The MP said he had raised issues with AFC’s leadership but there was little recourse.
According to the Speaker, after the vote, the motion was carried.

Speaker, Dr. Barton Scotland

While advising that the work of the House continues for the evening, the Speaker said also, “We will deal with the consequences of this,” (the no-confidence motion).
Well, that “consequences” is likely on Thursday when the House is supposed to meet again.
The Parliament Office has already sent out invitations to the press for that sitting.
Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo, said that his party will not be attending the sitting unless it is to deal with preparation for fresh elections.
Government officials disclosed Monday that the Cabinet has established a sub-committee to examine the vote and seek legal advice.
A report has been submitted to Cabinet by the sub-committee with Government stating that it is studying these and will make more details available.
Government officials, contacted by Kaieteur News over the weekend, insisted that it will
“explore all options which the Constitution and standing orders of the Parliament provides”.
They pointed out that the Speaker at the close of the debate said he will address the consequences.

Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo

This is likely set for next Thursday when the sitting occurs. According to the officials, the question must be asked why the Opposition would not want to hear about the “consequences” as it is all part of the established procedures.
“They are prematurely moving to the consequences which have not yet been pronounced upon. As a Government, we are prepared for all eventualities which the Speaker announces are the consequences,” a Ministry of the Presidency official said.

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