House no-show
Published:Thursday | February 25, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Philip Hamilton, Gleaner Writer
Yesterday's parliamentary committee meeting reviewing legislation on the Financial Investigations Division Act, 2008 was prematurely adjourned after failing to attract a quorum 27 minutes past its scheduled start.
An upset Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, who chairs the committee, chided absent members for what she deemed irresponsible behaviour, while apologising to representatives from government agencies.
"I really have reached my limit, as I think it is irresponsible, and we need to take the business at hand far more seriously. We have to have a set of people who are committed to what they are doing and display some more responsibility," said an angry Dalrymple-Philibert.
Only three committee members - Dr Peter Phillips, Dr Omar Davies and government Senator Arthur Williams - attended Tuesday's meeting.
It appears the other committee members tendered no apologies for their absence.
"These are members who have been advised by Parliament we have been having a meeting. It is the business of the nation, and it cannot continue. I am really embarrassed.
"Time is money, and we have people sitting here coming from their offices where we are asking them to produce and to do things, and they are under pressure and they must sit here for three-quarters of an hour until something takes place," a frustrated Dalrymple-Philibert said.
A new meeting date has not yet been set.