Nine empty benches faced the Government as today’s 144th sitting of Parliament under the current Democratic Labour Party administration dealt with a resolution to grant $15.7 million from the Consolidated Fund and to finance the provision of subsidized diesel to manufacturers, farmers, fisherfolk, public service vehicle operators and the Transport Board.
The House, which resolved itself into a committee of supplies to grant this sum, was chaired by St Michael West Central MP James Paul, and featured contributions from Minister of Transport John Boyce who introduced the resolution, Minister of Small Business Development Denis Kellman, Minister of the the Environment Dennis Lowe, Kenny Best, Patrick Todd, Minister of Labour Esther Byer-Suckoo and Attorney General Adriel Brathwaite.
In their contributions, some berated the Opposition’s no-show, with Best calling for a day’s salary to be deducted.
This follows the Opposition Barbados Labour Party’s decision to boycott Parliament in protest of Government’s failure to call the general election in a timely manner.
Today marks the fifth anniversary of the last general election. (RJ)
