UPDATE: Hon Stacy R. Mather ousted; Dr the Hon Karl Dawson new Deputy Speaker
The motion to remove the Deputy Speaker was made by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) using Section 69.6 of the Constitution and seconded by Deputy Premier Hon Julian Fraser, RA (R3) under Public Business/Government Business on May 8, 2025.
Why a new Deputy Speaker?
Premier Wheatley noted that the notice for a motion for the removal of the Deputy Speaker was given well in advance, “So it would not have been a surprise to anyone that this was taking place.”
He said this was necessary since the Government side got an additional member.
Premier Wheatley explained that Hon Mather was selected to be Deputy Speaker, considering that there were only seven members on the government side at the time: five Ministers and two Junior Ministers.
He said amendments to the constitution stipulated that Jr Ministers could not serve as Deputy Speakers, “and therefore, a member of the Opposition became Deputy Speaker.
“It’s a rarity because, normally, the government side would be able to elect a Deputy Speaker, considering that the Government side would have a majority in the House and would vote for that individual.”
Following a brief recess, Premier Wheatley then moved a motion for the election of a Deputy Speaker, and this was seconded by Hon Fraser.
Dr the Honourable Karl Dawson (R1) was then proposed for the vacancy by Premier Wheatley, and this was seconded by Minister for Communications and Works Hon Kye M. Rymer (R5).
Hon Mather ‘did a good job’- Premier Wheatley
Speaker Hon Corine N. George-Massicote said: “Given that only one person has been proposed, then I shall now declare that Hon Dawson is now the Deputy Speaker.”
Premier Wheatley also used the opportunity to thank Hon Mather for his service rendered.
“I believe that Honourable Stacy Mather did a good job in the position, so this is certainly not being done because he didn’t do a good job…I believe he conducted himself well.”
It should be noted that none of the three Alliance members were present in the House of Assembly when Hon Dawson was given the Oath for the Deputy Speaker’s position.
Hon Mather is one of the rebel Alliance members.
See previous article published May 8, 2025
Dr the Hon Karl Dawson expected to be made Deputy Speaker today
- to replace Opposition Member Hon Stacy R. Mather
Word reaching our News Centre is that former Junior Minister Dr the Honourable Karl Dawson (R1) is expected to be made Deputy Speaker in the House of Assembly today, May 8, 2025.
According to reports, the nomination and voting for the new Deputy Speaker will be done this afternoon. The HoA is currently in recess.
Dr Dawson, the former Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, will replace Opposition Member Hon Stacy R. Mather (AL).
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) had disclosed on March 11, 2025, in announcing the return of Hon Lorna G. Smith (AL) to his government, that Dr Dawson had been relieved of his Junior Minister portfolio but that he was going to write to the Clerk of the House of Assembly to give notice of his intention to move a motion to make Honourable Dawson the new Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.
“He has a wealth of experience and is more than capable of holding such a position,” Premier Wheatley had stated.
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Presiding Over the House: The Deputy Speaker can chair meetings and debates, maintaining order and applying the House’s standing orders when the Speaker is not present.
Casting Vote: The Deputy Speaker holds significant authority in the event of a tie during votes in the House. In such cases, the Deputy Speaker can cast the deciding vote, which can be crucial in close legislative decisions.
Procedural Authority: When acting as Speaker, the Deputy Speaker has the same authority to interpret and enforce the rules of the House as the Speaker does
PVIM has Fallen Apart
NDP has Fallen Apart
VIP got Back Old Boy Frazer
VIP got Back Smith 2 Times
VIP now Hold The Deputy Speaker
The newly formed Alliance Party will need 10 other members to Form An Administration
The now NDP need 11 members to form any administration
Will it be VIP all the way come next Election
run talk that!!!