A potential protest by Opposition Members was averted when Deputy Speaker Lenora Qereqeretabua permitted Supplementary Questions during Oral Questions Time.
Previously, there had been a decision to restrict supplementary questions in order to accommodate a Government event scheduled for later in the evening.
Speaking to reporters, Jone Usamate emphasized that Parliament represents the people, and it is the responsibility of Parliamentarians to address issues impacting citizens within this forum.
Usamate noted that while the Opposition was prepared to stage a protest, this action was called off following the Deputy Speaker’s ruling. He pointed out that the Government sought to shorten the parliamentary session to prioritize attendance at a function scheduled for that evening.
“Parliamentarians should not be subordinate to anything else. It is the place where the voices of the people are expressed and acknowledged,” Usamate stated. “This should take precedence over all other activities. External visitors or events should not limit the opportunities for Parliamentarians to discuss important issues.”