Barbados opposition boycott latest

Barbados’ Speaker of the House Michael Carrington is adamant that he will not be rushed to institute a gun policy for Parliament just because opposition lawmakers have boycotted the sitting.



The lawmakers had said they would stay away from Parliament over a reported incident involving Economic Affairs Minister Dr David Estwick during debate on the Estimates of Expenditure last month.



Opposition Leader Mia Mottley said while her party awaits the outcome of an investigation by the Committee of Privileges, Prime Minister David Thompson has a responsibility to ensure the safety of members and workers of Parliament.



She said the opposition has a duty to uphold the democracy of the country and by extension the Parliament.



However, Mr Carrington said while there can be no denying that the security of the House has been brought into question, he will not be guided by the whims and fancy of one or two members.



He said he will not allow the position of the Speaker to become embroiled in the political posturing on either side of the House.