House Speaker Sir Gerald Watt Dismisses MP’s Questions to PM on WIOC Matters– CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR WHATS APP GROUP
House Speaker Sir Gerald Watt today defended his decision to prevent Rural West MP Richard Lewis from posing two specific questions to Prime Minister Gaston Browne concerning the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC).
Addressing the Parliament, Speaker Watt outlined his reasoning, emphasizing legal and procedural grounds for his decision.
According to Speaker Watt, the first reason for disallowing the questions was that Prime Minister Gaston Browne is not a director of WIOC and therefore would not possess the specific operational information MP Lewis sought.
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The second point raised by the Speaker pertained to company law, which dictates that only shareholders have the standing to directly question the WIOC board.
He clarified that although the government is a significant shareholder, this does not grant the Prime Minister the right to represent the company in Parliament on such matters.
Controversy arose from a letter sent to Antigua News Room (ANR), suggesting that since the Prime Minister’s portfolio includes WIOC, he should be accountable for answering any questions from statutory bodies related to the company.
Sir Gerald Watt dismissed this notion, labeling it as “rubbish” and reaffirmed his commitment to parliamentary protocol. “You know if you ask any question that is proper, I will allow it,” he declared, reinforcing his stance on maintaining order and decorum in the legislative process.
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The 1000 Watt Bulb at it again. When will this old clown just go home. He continues to act like he’s IT and everybody else is beneath him. We will not forget the dilemma he created with his genius interpretation of the constitution only to find out he was wrong.
Go home Watts! You’re washed up. You’re just trying to save face after your colossal blunder.
Watching @, you are so right
They are a few people in our society with this elitist attitude. He is definitely one. If the government is a major share holder in WIOC, and the PM is the finance minister ,why can’t he answer the questions ? Is it because nepotism will be found ? Corruption and bobol is rampant in Antigua .
Why is it so difficult to maintain our dignity, proper protocol and decorum kin our Parliament. Rubbishing and insulting the Speaker of the House and an eminent KC and also rubbishing his age is both disrespectful and unkind. The last time I checked, West Inbies Oil Company is not a Publicly owned Company land is not subjected to the same set of rules and guidelines that a Publicly owned Company is subjected to.
@Sharon Patriot Lycorish, IF the Antiguan government and by extension the people of Antigua own interest in WIOC, then it is proper to ask the PM questions about this entity. Anyone saying otherwise should be RUBBISHED and INSULTED
Again, the Speaker of the House protecting the Prime Minister and over reaching his Parliamentary powers.
He needs to step-aside now for a younger and more independent minded individual that WILL allow Parliamentarians to ask the tough questions without fear or favour.
Will the grand puba then a allow the questions to be put to pixie, the wife of the mad dog who is a member of WIOC board?
Keep the fire burning.
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