KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Member of Parliament Kenneth Russell has said tensions inside Parliament had reached a breaking point, arguing that members felt sidelined during the examining of clauses of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) Bill on Tuesday.

“ We didn’t think it was fair. The session has honestly gotten to the point where we didn’t feel like we were being heard. There wasn’t enough time being given for us to have the conversations we wanted to have and she was trying to be heard and to get attention she did what she did,” he said.

Russell acknowledged that the actions of fellow Opposition MP Angela Brown Burke were wrong, but insisted the wider environment in the chamber contributed to the outburst.

“ We are working in an environment where we feel as though we have to push the limits.”

“ We are here to represent our people. We are here to have our voices heard on issues and when we aren’t doing that then a bit of rebellion is necessary,” he stated.

Opposition Member Parliament Angela Brown Burke (Photo: Llewellyn Wynter)

His comments followed dramatic scenes in Gordon House late Tuesday night, where Speaker Juliet Holness named and suspended Brown Burke after she touched the ceremonial mace during heated debate on the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) Bill.

READ: Late-night turmoil in Gordon House

The confrontation forced a temporary halt to proceedings, with the marshal instructed to remove Brown Burke after she refused repeated orders to leave the chamber.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness later urged members to restore order and maintain the dignity of the House as deliberations resumed.

(Video: Llewellyn Wynter)