Parliament disorder sparks Caribbean rebuke

Presiding officers of parliaments across the Commonwealth Caribbean have voiced “grave concern” over the tumultuous events that erupted in Jamaica’s House of Representatives on November 3, warning legislators that their conduct carries implications far beyond the walls of the chamber.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the presiding officers of parliaments in 11 Caribbean territories stressed that Jamaica’s parliamentary proceedings are watched not only by legislatures throughout the Commonwealth, but also by the wider international parliamentary community, placing a responsibility on all members to uphold the dignity and integrity of the institution.

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While making it clear that they were not seeking to apportion individual blame or prejudge any matter arising from the incident, the presiding officers issued an unequivocal reminder that no protest, however deeply felt, can excuse the deliberate disruption of parliamentary business; defiance of the authority of the chair; or any conduct that obstructs, intimidates, or threatens a presiding officer.