Attorney General Sir Steadroy "Cutie" Benjamin used the first sitting of the new parliamentary session to question the circumstances surrounding the absence of both opposition members of parliament — despite a press statement issued the day before explaining their situations.
Members of the ruling Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party were sworn in as parliamentarians on Monday, ahead of the Speech from the Throne by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams scheduled for later this week.
In brief remarks before calling for the sitting to be adjourned, Sir Steadroy described the dual absences as suspicious. "Is it not passing strange that today of all days in public history some sort of excuse has been made — people being sick, travelling — is it not strange? I ask, I say yes," he told the House.
He went further, claiming the opposition had "disappeared" just as they did at the last elections. "They don't appear, they don't work, as a matter of fact they are a disunited bunch of people," he added.
The remarks targeted UPP Leader Jamale Pringle and Barbuda People's Movement MP Trevor Walker, both of whom were absent from Monday's swearing-in ceremony.
However, a press statement issued by the opposition on Sunday had already provided explanations for both absences. Pringle had travelled to the United States the previous week to accompany his minor daughter for a medical procedure. Walker is attending to family matters.
Both MPs formally notified the Clerk to Parliament of their absences in advance. They are expected to take their Oath of Allegiance at the next ordinary sitting of the House.
