At Friday’s inaugural sitting of the House of Representatives in the Twelfth Session of Parliament, all 19 Members of the Opposition voted against a Motion to reduce speaking times for members, which is intended to limit interactions in the Chamber as a precaution against COVID-19.

The Motion, moved my Leader of the House, Camille Robinson-Regis, sought to suspend Standing Order 45(1) of the Parliament’s rules, placing a shorter time limit for speeches in debates, with 30 minutes for the mover and responder and 20 minutes for all other speakers with no extensions.

MPs normally have 45 minutes plus an optional extra 15 minutes, while the presenter has unlimited time, also allowed to the first responder.

All 19 Opposition MPs voted against the Motion, however because the government has the majority seats at 22- the Motion was successfully carried. 

All Members will now have to observe the new speaking time. 

During the 11th Session of Parliament, Opposition Chief Whip argued against the same proposal, saying it did not give the Opposition sufficient time to grill the government.