I'm no spy

Phillips, gov't members square off over allegations of CIA involvement

GORDON HOUSE, the seat of Parliament, was yesterday reduced to a shouting match as East Central St Andrew Member of Parliament Dr Peter Phillips and his colleagues on the opposition side squared off in a verbal clash with government members following claims that he was a CIA agent.

An agitated Phillips, amid attempts by House Speaker Delroy Chuck to calm tempers, charged that members on the government side were intent on putting his and his family's lives at risk.

"Mr Speaker, let them come, because I can deal with all of them," the peeved East Central St Andrew MP said.

However, Phillips' claim was quickly rejected by leader of government business in the House, Andrew Holness.

"Mr Speaker, this debate is descending into an abyss from which we may not recover. He has cast aspersions on the Government that we are threatening he and his family."

The hammering of the speaker's gavel failed to bring order to the House as tempers flared.

Tensions had started to rise when Phillips rose to debate two bills to postpone the holding of local government elections under the Parish Councils Act and the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation Act.

During Phillips' contribution, some government members shouted, "Sell-out!" - seemingly directing their comments at him.

Eastern Westmoreland MP Luther Buchanan sought to raise a point of order, charging that a government member was imputing motive when he referred to Phillips as a member of the CIA.