Political observers have speculated that the move is to allow the new Governor General Arthur Hanna to read his first Speech from the Throne and to present the government’s legislative agenda as it heads into next year’s general election.
Police Commissioner and Provost Marshal Paul Farquharson, standing on the front steps of the House of Assembly yesterday, read the two proclamations from acting Governor General Paul Adderley suspending all procedures in parliament.
He was flanked by parliamentary staff and members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The first proclamation stated:
“Whereas by virtue of article 66-1 of the Constitution, the Governor General, acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, may at any time prorogue parliament.
“Now therefore I, the Hon Paul Lawrence Adderley, acting governor of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, by this proclamation acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, do hereby prorogue parliament as from Tuesday, January 31.”
The second proclamation stated: “Whereas the Parliament of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas stands prorogued from the 31st day of January, 2006, and whereas it is provided by article 65 of the Constitution that each session of parliament should be held at such place and commence at such time as the governor general may by proclamation appoint.
“Now therefore I, the Hon Paul L Adderiey; acting governor of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, by this proclamation acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister do hereby proclaim that the next sitting of Parliament shall be held in the city of Nassau and shall commence in the forenoon of Wednesday, the 15th day of February, 2006.”
House Clerk Maurice Tynes explained that the prorogation is not the same thing as a dissolution of the House, which signifies the approach of an election.
“A prorogation terminates a session of parliament. On the other hand a dissolution would end the life of a parliament. A parliamentary term is usually five years from the opening act to the dissolution. That five-year period is usually divided into sessions.”
He explained that the first session of parliament always begins with the opening of parliament after an election. “It would end with either a prorogation or a dissolution,” he said.
Mr Tynes said this is the first prorogation of the Christie administration, adding that it is entirely up to the prime minister when or if he will prorogue.
However, he said, usually most parliaments would prorogue every year. He explained that parliament staff compile the documents laid on the table of parliament by sessions.
“5o what will happen now is that the session that started on May 22, 2002 now ends today.
“A new session of parliament will begin with the opening on February 15,” he added.
“What happens now is that all the matters on the agenda of the Senate and the House would be terminated by this prorogation, unless special permission was made to carry that business over to the next session,” he said.
There were also a number of select committees which were meeting, he added. But usually the prorogation ends those committees as well unless they got permission to meet during the recess.
Mr Tynes added that he was not aware of any permission for any matters on the agenda to be carried over. However, he noted that any legislation which was dismissed can be:brought up again by the government, official opposition or independent members once the House reopens.
During the FNM administration, parliament was prorogued every two years.
By CARA BRENNEN Tribune Staff Reporter
