President of The Senate, Sir Richard “Johnny” Cheltenham, last night announced he was retiring.
The prominent Queen’s Counsel made the announcement just before the sitting ended.
“This is the last session of the Senate before the prorogation [of Parliament) and I consider it as the appropriate time to indicate that effective 30th August, I shall be retiring from the Senate. It has been a great privilege and an immense honour to sit as your President.”
Sir Richard, 78, added there was an array of rich and diverse talent in the Senate and he would continue to follow the senators with great interest.
He thanked the Clerk of Parliament and all the support staff, who he said had been immensely helpful.
Sir Richard, before he made the announcement, said his decision was based on “developments earlier today which you would hear about later which compelled me to make the following statement which I am about to make”.
Calling the announcement a surprise, Senator Jerome Walcott, Leader of Public Business, thanked Sir Richard for his time served and added: “We will miss your guidance, years of experience and knowledge ….” (MB)
