There were heated exchanges in the Lower House this afternoon (Feb 26) as parliamentarians argued over the short notice for today’s siting.

Acting Leader of Opposition Business Mikael Phillips raised concern that many of the opposition members had checked the schedule and took note of the fact that there was no lower house sitting today, only a committee meeting.

As such, many of them were unable to be present today.

But Leader of Government Business Karl Samuda chastised the opposition MP’s, stating that being a representative of the people required MP’s to be in parliament.

His comments irked the opposition members, with Lisa Hanna calling for Samuda to clarify his statement.

Samuda stressed that parliamentarians should be flexible and always make themselves available for house sittings on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Opposition member Mark Golding chastised the government for what he called the untidy handling of the affairs of the house.

Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke then pointed to the extra work put in by public sector workers to prepare the bills that are tabled, adding that parliamentarians should honour that commitment by being in the house to pass the bills.

However, opposition member Dr. Angela Brown Burke objected, pointing out that being present in the house is not the only requirement, as parliamentarians need to be able to review the bills and make meaningful contributions.