Upset Warmington walks out of House debate

BY LYNFORD SIMPSON Observer writer editorial@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, March 11, 2010

MEMBER of Parliament for South West St Catherine Everard Warmington yesterday staged a one-man walkout in the House of Representatives after Speaker Delroy Chuck refused to allow a divide vote on the debate of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) report which was tabled in Parliament two weeks ago.

Warmington's contention was that the commission failed to accept any of the recommendations of the Parish Boundaries Advisory Committee of which he was a part, when the decision was being taken to create two new constituencies in St Catherine. He threatened to call a divide vote if his concerns were not duly noted.

The Government MP's actions were not only against the norm, where members usually vote along party lines, it was also a break with convention as the Parliament usually rubber-stamps the reports and recommendations of the ECJ, previously the Electoral Advisory Committee.

Warmington, like several other MPs, was also concerned that the ECJ had not finalised the boundaries for parish council divisions with local government elections imminent.

When it was apparent that there would be no divide vote, an angry Warmington rose to his feet on a point of order after Leader of the House Andrew Holness attempted to move on to another matter.

"The leader of the House cannot speak for me in this respect. I came here from South West St Catherine where the people supported me. I came here with the second-largest number of votes in Jamaica. I came here with a majority larger than those in garrison constituencies. My position and the position of South West St Catherine must be recognised," he charged.

All the while Warmington insisted that he was not breaking with convention but that his position must be observed.

"I was asked to sit and to chair a committee in St Catherine; our views were thrown through the window and this must be recognised. I want it put to the vote that it can show that I did not support what came here. It will pass. It will pass, but my position must be recognised," he insisted. The MP again referred to the fact that he entered the Parliament after the 2007 general elections with one of the biggest majorities in the country and threatened to walk if he was not so recognised.

"If this is the case I'm going to walk out by myself -- just one person. I'm not going to sit here for this nonsense."

At one stage, Holness walked over to where Warmington was sitting in an attempt to calm him. However, he was heard shouting, "I don't give a damn and I don't care," before Holness walked away. House Speaker Delroy Chuck intervened, declaring "The debate and the vote were taken, we move on." At this point, exactly 4:11 pm, Warmington gathered his belongings and walked out of the chamber.

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COMMENTS (6)

T G
3/12/2010

I could see this coming from a mile off. They are asking the Parliamentarians to rubber stamp agreement made by a few good men in a committee. One day it was going to break.
The ECJ is is another legacy of our tribal political system it is putting band aid on a huge sore. So far it worked because the war was largely fought on a battle field demarcated by the two colours.
With the cessation of major hostilities, a fight of a different kind have started. A few Parliamentarians are not comfortable with semi-permanent committee made up of good ole boys, basically neutering them by handing them chits of paper to sign and deliver.
In any case how the ECJ could justify increasing the number of Constituencies in a time such as this is beyond me. Not that Warmington and Company in the full house would not have done the same or worse, but the ECJ seems to live in another reality.

C. Brown
3/11/2010

Warmington is a hot head and is a reflection of society. Everyone seems to put them self above the interest of the country.. There is no civility to our behaviour... Bad example, Mr. Warmington...

Cindy Lee
3/11/2010

Also does he really equate respect with the size of his constituency. "I should be respected because I have the largest constituency" Really Edward??? Does he really think that respect should be given to him because of his constituency size. A constituency that he neglects & whose people he disrespects. His behaviour doesnt warrant him getting respect at all.

Cindy Lee
3/11/2010

Warmington is such an ill-mannered, disrespectful, petulant child - always have been, always will be. I wonder what he has on the PM that he can't take the necessary steps to curb his disgusting behaviour.

Arlene Frome
3/11/2010

I thought i read sometime ago that mr.chuck is going to get rid of all the parlimentarians who behave badly in parliment. What happened. He forgct already. Or this only goes for the opposition.

Steve Bennett
3/11/2010

Do these MP's have to display there ignorance in such a disgusting manner? time and time you heard of MP's walking out in rage and heat is this the example they wish us the younger genration to follow? dispite whats happening it must can be dealt with better

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