Opposition Members of Parliament at a news conference this afternoon

Opposition Members of Parliament are standing in solidarity with their leader, Mia Mottley, following Tuesday’s incident in the House of Assembly.

During her contribution to the debate on the Holidays with Pay Bill, Ms Mottley mentioned the state of the local economy but was interrupted by the Speaker of the House, Michael Carrington, who ruled that her contribution was irrelevant. Some of the opposition MPs then left their seats, but returned some time later.

During a news conference, Member of Parliament for St James Central, Kerrie Symmonds, denied that the Opposition ever considered boycotting today’s sitting of Parliament. However, he said that Mr Carrington’s decision showed a disregard for the problems facing Barbadians. While referencing Barbados’ most recent credit ratings downgrade and the subsequent rumours of devaluation, he said, “we (the Barbados Labour Party) will not go through a circus of pretense to create the impression that all is well in the country, when we know other wise. The Prime Minister has been asked to speak on some of these concerns, but thus far, he has remained mute.”

Mr Symmonds again called on government to speak about the critical issues facing the country and suggested that unless this happens, Parliament would become irrelevant.

Following the news conference, Opposition leader, Mia Mottley accompanied by Barbados Labour Party Chairman, George Payne, thanked the MPs for their support.