Sir Gerald Watt Schools The Former Speaker On The Standing Orders Of The House Of Representatives

House Speaker Sir Gerald Watts says it’s important for members of parliament to familiarize themselves with the Standing Orders of both the lower house and the Senate.

Sir Gerald was making reference the incident last Thursday’s debate in parliament when members on the government side walked out just as the member for All Saints East and St Luke, Hon Joanne Massiah, rose to speak.

Since the incident both Massiah and former Speaker, D Gizele Isaac, have publicly criticized Sir Gerald over his handling of the matter.

But Sir Gerald says based on their statements…it is clear that neither Massiah nor Isaac knows the rules governing the House.

Sir Gerald holds the view that anyone claiming to be an experts on parliamentary matters should at least be familiar with the rules.

Sir Gerald provides further clarity by reading from the relevant Standing Order.