BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (SKNIS) — The new Speaker of the Federal Parliament in St. Kitts and Nevis Honourable Franklin Brand has signalled his intent to change the tone during house sittings in order to “conduct the people’s business in a decent, exemplary and respectful manner.”
On Thursday (May 14), while addressing the first convening of parliament since the election in February, Speaker Brand outlined several important actions to achieve his intended purpose.
These are: a complete review of the standing rules and orders of the National Assembly with emphasis on improvement, a return to the honouring and executing of universally accepted norms and conventions of parliament, the reactivation and revitalization of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Branch of St. Kitts and Nevis, and the establishment of Parliamentary Committees designed to enhance public participation in the business of the assembly.
The Executive Branch and other support partner agencies will be engaged to assist with these reforms.
“Let me assure the nation that I intend to be the Speaker for all members of parliament and all the citizens of St. Kitts and Nevis,” Speaker Brand emphasized.
He expressed that he was humbled by his election and the “enormous responsibility” of the office and stressed that he will discharge his duties “with the zeal and dignity it deserves.”