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Speaker of HoA Ingrid A. Moses chides Opposition for abuse of privilege

- But Hon Julian Fraser RA said information given in his presentation is public knowledge & not libelous
Speaker of the House of Assembly Ingrid A. Moses last night August 11, 2014 slammed members of the Opposition for what she called the abusing of their parliamentary privilege when they included in their presentations information on companies connected to the cruise pier project. However, Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA said that the Speaker’s comments were uncalled for as nothing said by him in the House was libelous or slanderous. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Speaker of the House of Assembly Ingrid A. Moses last night August 11, 2014 slammed members of the Opposition for what she called the abusing of their parliamentary privilege when they included in their presentations information on companies connected to the cruise pier project.

She voiced her concern in a statement shortly before the House adjourned for the day sometime after 11:00 pm. It was during the Eighth Sitting of the Third Session of the Second House of Assembly during the debate on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) final report on the cruise pier project.

“Earlier in the proceedings I talked about members making statements in the House of Assembly as it relates to organisations and persons under the protection of immunity and privilege which does not extend outside of this Honourable House,” said Speaker Moses.

She noted that as was pointed out earlier in the debate, out of the 13 persons interviewed by the PAC, 8 of them signed letters saying that they have not seen their witness statements.

“This is almost 62 percent, almost a third of the persons interviewed and that says to me that they have a serious concern as it relates to the breach of the Standing Orders,” she said.

“The very fact that members are tossing around allegations, making statements, questioning persons’ character, questioning a whole lot of information and statements that would have arisen out of those meetings it is imperative and it is incumbent upon the committee to ensure that it complies with the Standing Orders,” she said.

“I think it is a great disservice that we have done not only to the House but also to the members, the public and to those who came before the Committee,” said the Speaker.

“We need to make sure when we come to the Honourable House to always abide by the Standing Orders…they are there for a reason,” she said. “To sit here and try to use the rules conveniently is unacceptable and irresponsible for all of us to do,” she said.

In response to the Speaker’s statements, Third District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA, in a comment to this news site, said that as a legislator and leader “I am both cognizant of my responsibility and rights and I need not be lectured by the Speaker of the House or the Premier as to my role.”

He said that the Speaker’s comments towards the end of the sitting were uncalled for as nothing said in the House was libelous or slanderous. “The information I gave is public knowledge…it is not information that I made up,” he said.

23 Responses to “Speaker of HoA Ingrid A. Moses chides Opposition for abuse of privilege”

  • one sided (12/08/2014, 17:20) Like (22) Dislike (8) Reply
    Ya'll can't see this woman is one sided.And I've notice she's always trying to pick a fight with Minister Fahie smh.
  • One Sided #2 (12/08/2014, 17:50) Like (14) Dislike (6) Reply
    I agree with one side,I have noticed her behaviour as well,not so promising to the future,she needs to strike balance in the house of commons,she herself chides under her breath while representing the larger mass of people.
  • doc (12/08/2014, 17:55) Like (31) Dislike (7) Reply
    I think the speaker is leaning on the side of biasness. Yes she is a government appointed speaker but she should be neutral and should not show sign of bias but she continue to do so blatantly and clearly. One example where I observed she was very bias was last night when hon fahie attempted to address the issue of two letters that were brought to the house by hon minister of education. Now members on the government side were free to debate or address those letters but when hon fahie attempted to speak on those letters he was prevented from doing so. Yes you are the speaker but I believe you are acting in a manner to be disrespected
  • queen bee (12/08/2014, 18:02) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
    The HOA is like a circus arena! Our politicians behaving like clowns embarrassing the island with their immature behavior. This type of behavior does not send a positive message across international airwaves. There is too much drama in this tiny island. It is worst than the Soap Operas!
    • Outspoken (12/08/2014, 22:24) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
      Queen bee I guess u don't listen to or is not aware of parliament meetings in other Caribbean islands
  • Judge Judy (12/08/2014, 19:30) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    The debate was supposed to be members only, but after Hon Fahie was finished Miss Speaker cut in and had her say. She spent a lot of time talking about the two letters and putting down the PAC members for not following rules. She never acknowledged that her partner (the bald head man) crossed the line when he prepared those letters and contacted witnesses who felt compelled to sign them.

    If he had done this in court he would be DISBARRED! But for some reason he felt this was ok for the house of assembly and she sat there bigging him up. Two more years. Not a day more.
  • ccc (12/08/2014, 20:58) Like (17) Dislike (3) Reply
    Moses must go
  • memeber (12/08/2014, 21:28) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    What member fahie much more intelligent than all of them. Ronnie myron and mark failed in the debate whats the next step VIP. Alvin did an excellent job to. And Fraser finally getting it together. Team work is the way to go.
  • BVI ah fa we home (12/08/2014, 22:40) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    politics around the world is all the same ,where educated persons that we think have our interest at heart a elected in council and carry out the queens agenda and they own and leave the poor people to continue suffering while the one world order in full effect with they DEVILISM deviding and fooling they own people about NDP/VIP wake up an live stop allowing the POLITION to make you promises they would want to controle you for ever. Wake up an live
  • ? (12/08/2014, 23:04) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    If it was the other way around, nothing would have been said. Biasness is alive and well in the HOA I see.
  • cay (13/08/2014, 00:05) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply

    THIS SP...ER IS A DISGRACE TO DEMORACY AND FAIR PLAY SHE NEEDS TO BE REMOVED

  • VG (13/08/2014, 07:09) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
    What about all the shouting in the HOA some weeks ago. What did she say about that? She was posted there by the NDP so what do you expect from her. I think the speaker of the house should be appointed by the queen, just like the governor. just my opinion .. and I don't care who dislike it.
    • ting tuh talk (13/08/2014, 09:25) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      what can she say she was only there for the first sitting and this last one watch it live on tv and u will see
  • Sick & Tired (13/08/2014, 07:50) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am sick and tired of the blatant attempts to silence the opposition. If they ask a question its a problem. If they make a comment its a problem. This is not the way a democratic country functions. Right is right and wrong is wrong all sides must be given a fair chance to speak or else scheduling sittings of the house is pointless. This tactic has cost government the respect of the majority of people. Who wants to listen to the parliamentary process where only government side has a say? The house was never in such shambles before now. Stop creating chaos and trying to silence the opposition. That is soooooooo not good governance. Too much time wasted on dishing out doses of hush-hush than dealing with the issues at hand. The public is sick of this crap.
    • Well (13/08/2014, 09:50) Like (1) Dislike (9) Reply
      Put them back in Government if you sick of them being over there. Who is silencing the opposition? The opposition is now a circus. Fahie and Frasers sticking points were print out from Google searches. Are you kidding me???????????????????????????
  • @Well (13/08/2014, 10:11) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Clearly by your statement you are not very intelligent! Anything you want to know can be obtained by the tip of your fingers! (Internet) If you don't have anything to say I suggest you go and google how to give constructive criticism.!
  • insider (13/08/2014, 11:44) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    this speaker is no match for fraser that is why her days are numbered
  • chad (13/08/2014, 12:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    thatWhy interfere with the witnesses,? Maybe those people who wrote to the speaker did so under intimidation from some ministers. I did not know she had a role in the debate apart from keeping the House in order. I observe that she tries to intimidate the opposition members while those on the government side can be rude and insultive and get away with it. Both sides should be admonished for unacceptable behavior in the house. Some members do not know what is disrespect. What example is being set for the youth of this territory? The world is watching.Why are they afraid of a COI.? That will clear the air. Let your conscience be your guide. Is the landslide development going to belong. to the VI populace or the people who ha ve claims on the lots? Tell us now.
  • Dog gone it! (13/08/2014, 15:25) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    This woman is Speaker for the NDP, she is not Speaker of The House. She is full of BS. She is shameful. NDP and Speaker Moses got to go.
  • help me (13/08/2014, 18:22) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    The speaker of the HOA said that she has Eight letters from the witnesses addressed to her and the Opposition Leader so where the minister of Education got those letters from to debate them in the HOA?
    Let's suppose he is the one who wrote the letter addresses them to the Speaker and the Opposition Leader have the witnesses sign it and he give them to the Speaker. Was it Eight letters or was it one letter signed by Eight persons? If it is the second then this is TAMPERING WITH THE WITNESSES which in the court of Law is a felony. This should be investigated by the PAC and turn over to the Public Persecution because this was done outside the HOA and has no immunity
  • Help me spell (13/08/2014, 21:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The word is prosecution please and not persecution
  • ehem (14/08/2014, 17:58) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    How can she keep order when she's clearly have other orders. I applauded the selection when it was made as a step toward true equality in the BVI. On Monday i happened to switch the TV and came across the debate when Mr. Fraser had the floor. Somehow his delivery captured my attention and i continued. At some point the Premiere felt compelled to interject and Mr. Fraser responded. I do not know why or how it happened but it appeared cued as the speaker got into a pointed diatribe at Mr. Fraser. It had no basis those two interuption but the second appeared to be an attempted beatdown of Mr. Fraser. Sorry Ms Speaker but you've shown yourself unequal in your handling of the house and extremely partisan. With this your ability to keep a proper quorum leaves much to be desired. This was a very rude and out of place remark. You my dear need to check yourself as you're wrecking yourself.


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