JLP condemns move by Opposition to bring motion of no confidence against PM; labels act as ‘desperate’
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has labelled a move by the Opposition People’s National Party to bring a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Andrew Holness as “desperate and an abuse of process.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the JLP said the attempt by Opposition Leader, Mark Golding to move a motion in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, is “out of order.”
“The sub-judice rule and standing orders of the parliament prevent matters that are actively being considered by the Court to be subject to discussion or debate in the parliament. Additional rules which also guide the operations of parliament make it clear that a motion which pertains to an issue that is before the Court and is to be adjudicated upon should not be countenanced by way of tabling in Parliament”, attorney-at-law and Clarendon South Eastern Member of Parliament, Pearnel Charles Jnr said.
Members of the opposition People’s National Party (PNP), walked out of the Parliament Tuesday afternoon after the Government blocked a motion of no confidence which appeared to target PM Holness. The motion essentially declared that the prime minister had breached the Ministerial Code of Conduct and called for his censure.
READ: Opposition walks out of Parliament after motion calling for PM to be censured is shut down
However, Charles Jnr in noting that Erskine May: Parliamentary Practice is clear that, “the House has resolved that no matter awaiting or under adjudication by a Court of law should be brought before it by way of a motion or otherwise.”
“These rules are necessary to protect the integrity of judicial proceedings and to prevent any potential interference with the legal process,” he reiterated, outlining that the attempt by the Opposition PNP to move an “out of order motion to disparage the PM while he is overseas representing Jamaica with distinction further underscores their desperate and increasingly inappropriate thirst for political power.”
Charles Jnr says he is confident that the people of Jamaica will reject the move by the Opposition.
