by Linda Straker
- Media and public will not be allowed at sitting of parliament because of Covid-19 protocols
- Wednesday, 29 July session has 6 bills for first and remaining stages
Members of the media and the public will not be allowed to attend the Wednesday, 29 July 2020 sitting of the House of Representatives in person because of Covid-19 protocols. They will be allowed to pick up the documents for the proceedings and to follow the session virtually.
“This serves to advise that in keeping with Covid-19 protocols and the rearrangement of the Chamber and Gallery to allow for proper seating of Members of Parliament, the physical presence of members of the Press and the public cannot be facilitated in the Chamber during Sittings of Parliament,” said an email release to accredited members of media. “Adherence to these protocols would continue until further notice. Be guided accordingly.”
The release was essentially a reminder to all accredited press. A similar notice was sent to media houses for the sittings in April. Because of the 6 feet physical distancing, members of parliament for both houses also occupy sections of public gallery during the session, as well as the chamber during a parliament session. The Upper House or Senate, is scheduled to meeting on Friday, 31 July.
According to the Order Paper for the House of Representatives, the session which is scheduled to begin at 9 am has 6 bills for first and remaining stages.
- Covid-19 Cancellation of Carnival August Celebrations Bill, 2020.
- Public Finance Management (Amendment) Act, 2020.
- Consumer Protection (Amendment) Act, 2020.
- Praedial Larceny (Amendment) Act, 2020.
- Grenada Tourism Authority (Amendment) Act, 2020.
- Supreme Court Fees Bill, 2020.
The Cancellation of Carnival August Celebrations Bill which has become a controversial discussion is seeking the approval of members of parliament to remove 10 and 11 August 2020 as public holidays. Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell, said last week during in an interview that because carnival celebrations are cancelled for 2020, the days designated will become working days.
Many are upset and unhappy that the government is heading to the parliament to remove the 2 days.
