A potential protest by Opposition Members was averted after Deputy Speaker Lenora Qereqeretabua permitted Supplementary Questions during Oral Questions Time. Previously, there had been a decision to disallow supplementary questions to accommodate a Government event scheduled for the evening.
Jone Usamate, speaking to the media, emphasized that Parliament represents the People’s House, and it is the duty of Parliamentarians to bring forward issues that impact the public. He indicated that the Opposition was prepared to stage a protest but rescinded this action following the Deputy Speaker’s decision.
Usamate remarked that the Government aimed to shorten the day’s session to allow attendance at the evening function. He insisted that Parliamentarians should not be subordinate to any other activities and that Parliament is the platform for the voices of the people in the country. He further stressed that such events should not compromise the opportunity for Parliamentarians to address important issues.