MPs clash in debate on dual citizenship

PARLIAMENTARIANS ON both sides of the political divide yesterday clashed in a furious debate on a motion dealing with dual citizenship.

The exchanges led to one government member of parliament (MP) urging Speaker of the House Delroy Chuck to rule that embattled MP Sharon Hay-Webster be deemed "a stranger in the House" and, therefore, not able to speak.

The speaker quickly brushed aside the suggestion, despite the insistence of the member, Robert Montague, who accused Hay-Webster of admitting, during her contribution to the debate, that she was an American.

However, Chuck maintained that she would continue to be allowed to address the House until and unless the court ruled that she was ineligible to sit in Parliament.

Hay-Webster had joined the debate armed with a prepared speech and a certification of citizenship of Jamaica from the Ministry of Justice. This document was circulated to both government and opposition members. Central Kingston MP Ronald Thwaites had moved the dual-citizenship motion.

Hay-Webster charged that the Constitution did not prohibit dual citizenship, arguing that it states "no person can be elected to serve in Parliament who is by virtue of his own act under acknowledgement of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign state or country".

No allegiance to us

Hay-Webster declared: "I am not, Mr Speaker, under an acknowledgement of allegiance to the United States by my own act. I have never taken an oath of allegiance to the United States of America."

Government MP and attorney-at-law Ernest Smith stood on a point of order, raising concern that the matter being addressed by Hay-Webster was before the Supreme Court. Chuck agreed with the point of order and cautioned the member not to speak to the specifics of her case, citing Standing Order 35 (ii), which indicates that the House should not debate a matter that was before the court.

However, the House descended into a chorus of shouting after Thwaites challenged the speaker's comments, saying the matter was not before a jury and, therefore, the Standing Order cited by Chuck did not apply.

The speaker hit back, contending that Hay-Webster was seeking to argue her case in the House before the matter came up before the Supreme Court.

The speaker subsequently made a ruling that Hay-Webster could participate in the debate but should refrain from using personal references.

Disagreeing with the speaker's ruling, the South Central St Catherine MP said: "I lodge my grave disappointment."

Commenting on her contribution to representational politics, Hay-Webster said: "My conscience is clear about my service in this House as a third-term MP."

Indicating that she would not be silent on the matter, she charged: "If you don't hear it here, you will hear it elsewhere."

Earlier in the debate, Prime Minister Bruce Golding suggested that the matter be referred to a committee of Parliament for extensive deliberation.