SPEAKER of the House of Representatives Juliet Holness was forced to call a five-minute recess during Wednesday’s sitting of Parliament after the proceedings descended into what has become the usual noisy crosstalk and barbs thrown by both Government and Opposition members at each other.

It followed a statement from National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang about the decision by the Jamaican Government to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United States of America about Jamaica accommodating third-country nationals (TCN).

As the sitting descended into chaos, and as the Speaker indicated that the Member of Parliament (MP) for Westmoreland Western Dr Dayton Campbell was openly defying her rulings by persisting with the same question, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness could be heard, off microphone, telling Campbell, “You are a bully” numerous times.

Opposition members led by Opposition Leader Mark Golding and the Opposition spokesman on national security Fitz Jackson had asked a series of questions about the MOU. These included the benefits to Jamaica, the motivation behind the MOU, whether Jamaica was coerced into the agreement, whether the TCNs would be allowed to roam freely in Jamaica, and whether Haitians and Cubans were treated differently from TCNs.

Opposition members led by Opposition Leader Mark Golding, seen here with Member of Parliament for St Andrew South Western Angela Brown-Burke, and the Opposition Spokesman on National Security Fitz Jackson, asked a series of questions about the MOU signed between Jamaica and the United States. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

When he rose to ask his questions, Campbell tried to quote from the Standing Orders but was stopped by the Speaker who told him the statement by Minister Chang had nothing to do with the Standing Orders.

When he tried to ask the question about whether Cubans were treated differently for about the third time, the Speaker said, “Member Campbell, if you believe that you manage the House and you do not follow the instructions given, I will move to the next member.”

Campbell appeared to back off and proceeded with his questions, but came back to the Cuba issue time and again until his microphone was cut.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (right) confers with Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang in the House of Representatives Wednesday, where Chang faced questions about the memorandum of understanding signed between Jamaica and the United States for Jamaica to accept third-country migrants. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Earlier, when he posed questions, the MP for St Catherine North Western Damion Crawford was heard saying, “Is lie dem a tell pon mi,” when he was repeatedly told by the Speaker that his questions were previously asked by other members.

When the Speaker indicated to Chang that it was time for him to respond to the questions, the MP for St James Southern Nekeisha Burchell insisted that she be allowed to ask questions. Chaos ensued when Opposition MPs rose to their feet, forcing the adjournment.

On the resumption, Chang told the Parliament that the TCNs will be allowed to roam freely in Jamaica as they will not be incarcerated. He indicated that they will be properly vetted and can ask for asylum. Chang also said the details of the MOU which was signed last Thursday will not be tabled in the Parliament.

The Speaker, like she has done on several occasions recently, gave members a talk on proper behaviour in the Parliament.