Jamaican parliamentarians pledge co-operation

TIMES INT'L

Leaders of government and Opposition Business in both Houses of the Jamaican Parliament on Tuesday buried the hatchet, presenting a unified front to the media for the co-operation they said would be the hallmark of the new Parliament.

The historic press conference, held after the opening ceremony for the new session of Parliament and the swearing in of members, was addressed by new leader of government business in the House of Representatives Phillip Paulwell.

Paulwell, in acknowledging that debates in times past have been known to get downright rowdy with bitter exchanges, said he has been mandated by Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller to “use the Parliament to strive for greater national unity, stability, order and decorum”. The administration, he said, would not be using its 42-21 majority to out-muscle the Opposition unfairly either. He said as part of the new approach there will be discussions on how to build greater public interest and greater public participation in the conduct of the Parliament, as well as greater marketing of its meeting schedules and agenda items. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Related posts