Moultrie: Dispute is resolved

HOUSE Speaker Halson Moultrie says the disagreements between his chamber and the executive have been resolved.

His comment came during yesterday’s House of Assembly sitting.

“I’m pleased to report that in a discussion with the Honourable Member for Killarney, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, along with the Honourable Member for Southern Shores, the honourable leader of government business in the house acting, and the Speaker this morning, all issues relating to any disagreements have been resolved,” he said.

He did not elaborate.

Speaker Moultrie abruptly adjourned House proceedings last week after accusing the executive of ignoring the authority of Parliament.

“The Cabinet Office seems to think that it controls Parliament,” he said in part, adding: “Now, I don’t necessarily pick fights or wars, but if you want a war, you can get a war. They say if you don’t want a war, don’t start one. So don’t come in this Parliament talking about reading books of war because more than one person in this Parliament reads books of war.”

Speaker Moultrie told The Tribune on Friday that about nine months ago Dr Minnis discontinued Thursday morning meetings with him, which had become commonplace since the Free National Movement took office in 2017.

“The first time the Prime Minister spoke to me in months was when he called me to ask for leave to present his housing project plan,” he said. “That was the new housing project that is being proposed for young professionals. That was about three weeks ago I would say – two-three weeks ago.”

Dr Minnis, meanwhile, has avoided a public fight with Speaker Moultrie. Asked about the Speaker’s actions during a visit to Eleuthera on Friday, he did not answer directly.

“I didn’t even think about it,” he said. “I’m more concerned with getting vaccinations out to the general population. I’m more concerned with saving lives.”

Comments

tribanon says...

Looks like Moultrie was politely told he was jeopardising his entitlement to a generous pension and other benefits. I suspect he will now remain quiet as a mouse between now and the soon to be called national general election. lol

Posted 4 May 2021, 5:05 p.m. Suggest removal

Cobalt says...

For once, we agree.

Posted 4 May 2021, 7:09 p.m. Suggest removal

John says...

Narrow thinking! Who is to say Minnis will be prime minister or the FNM will form the government after May 2022? The tides are turning, if only for the fact that Bahamians grow vary easily, and they love change. Plus they are battle worn. Look at the pre-election efforts in Killarney alone. Land give-away, road re-paving, new school…Minnis getting the message that even he seat ain’t safe on this lap. Not that most Bahamians want the PLP back, but it is a great possibility. Ask Donald Trump what arrogance does.

Posted 5 May 2021, 4:46 a.m. Suggest removal

Cobalt says...

Well, that’s true too.

Posted 5 May 2021, 6:08 p.m. Suggest removal

TalRussell says...

Could be the House Speaker, trickin' Thee Mr, Minnis into thinking, **he needn't be politically scared** of someone called **Comrade Halson,** yes?

Posted 4 May 2021, 7:57 p.m. Suggest removal

John says...

So who had to kiss assets?

Posted 4 May 2021, 9:17 p.m. Suggest removal

Cobalt says...

There’s no telling who did the kissing and who did the bending. But in this case it would have made sense for Minnis to do the kissing. Simply because he needs his cabinet and MPs happy leading up to the G.E.

Posted 5 May 2021, 6:13 p.m. Suggest removal

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