Legislator suspended from Antigua Parliament for “hooliganism”

Asot Michael

Source: Loop Caribbean
The Speaker of the Antigua and Barbuda House of Representatives, Sir Gerald Watt, has suspended Asot Michael, the Parliamentary Representative for the constituency of St Peter, for the next three sittings.

According to Sir Gerald, the legislator was displaying “hooliganism” behaviour.

The chain of events started when Michael took issue with a comment made by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, while Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin was making a presentation on a Bill.

Michael repeatedly argued loudly with the Speaker, who had warned him several times that he would not tolerate his actions much longer.

“Move the member for St Peter out now,” the Speaker said to the Sergeant at Arms saying “If you need extra help, get it and get him out of here.”

Michael then yelled across the floor that the Speaker should retire because he is biased.

“You did not say anything to the Prime Minister when he threatened me about the UK [matter]. You are a biased man, and you should go home. You should retire. You are taking up space for young people to be in the House…you are biased…” Michael said as he left Parliament.- CMC

Members of Parliament on the government’s side of the aisle then voted immediately to suspend him from three consecutive sittings of the Parliament for abuse of the Chair.

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