Heated Senate Clash Forces Nearly Three-Hour Halt

There were tense moments in the Senate on Thursday as a heated exchange between Government and Opposition senators forced proceedings to a halt for nearly three hours. The confrontation took place during debate on the Government’s transport sector reform motion and involved UDP Senator Sheena Pitts and PUP Senator Hector Guerra. As the exchange escalated, UDP Senator Gabriel Zetina asked Senate President Carolyn Trench-Sandiford to rule that Senator Guerra be ordered to withdraw from the sitting, arguing that he had used unparliamentary language.

Sheena Pitts, UDP Senator: “So that was a false alarm ? So you’re not sabotaging me ? Thank you, I reclaim my time.”

Hector Guerra, Senator: “Madam President those stamens are really unnecessary and for the record the only thing that is slow is Senator’s sense of style. That’s the only thing that’s slow.”

Senate President: “I ask, members, that we again be respectful to each other. We can banter, we can throw remarks a little in jest but it ought not to cross the line of breaching the standing order of using offensive and insulting language to each other.”

Sheena Pitts, UDP Senator: “I never stood here on the mic and on the record offend standing order 36.4 the way he did and so I call on an apology on the record and a retraction of the statement.”

Senate President: “Senator Hector Guerra, the Senator has called and asked if you are prepared to retract your statement. The senator has indicated that they’re not prepared. You may proceed senator you were called upon.”

Hector Guerra, Senator: “Respect must be reciprocated.”

Sheena Pitts, UDP Senator: “Could I reclaim my time Madam President? And it is now open season.”

Senate President: “No it is not open season. I’ve brought this again and I will say it again, reiterate it and impress upon each and every one of you. Respect each other in this honorable chamber. If we cannot respect each other then we do not belong in this honorable chamber.”

Janelle Chanona, NGO Senator: “I rise on standing order 35.a just asking for a point of clarification from Madam President. Comments were made during the earlier interruptions regarding style and since I am also wearing pink I would like to know if that applies to me.”

Gabriel Zetina, UDP Senator: “I believe w all don’t think that his answer after a request to an apology is satisfactory. The standing order provides for the senator to be ordered to withdraw from the senate for the remainder of the day’s sitting.”

Following the exchange, the Senate was suspended while the President considered the matter.  When the sitting resumed, Senate President Carolyn Trench-Sandiford said she had taken into account comments made both on and off the microphone. She noted that this included an off-mic remark by Senator Pitts after Senator Guerra had risen on a point of order concerning the scope of her contribution.

Hon. Carolyn Sandiford, President of the Senate: “The conduct that I have witnessed today falls significantly below the standard of decorum, discipline and mutual respect expected of members of this chamber. Based on the video recording Senator Pitts made the utterance of the need to school on English and understanding that you can’t fix stupid. Senator Chanona made an interruption on the order issue whereby suspended the parliament for the matter to be addressed. Upon resumption of parliament Senator Pitts made the utterance you mean they “noh hear when I call the man slow.” Senator Hector Guerra responded by saying “What is slow is the senator’s sense of style.” Senator Pitt’s utterance was ‘So we di get personal today? My sense of style slow but you di wear skirt today.” Having seen and heard the video recordings there was disrespect from both senators to each other, to the chair, and to this honorable chamber. As president I am therefore authorizing the removal of the statement of Senator Guerra “What’s slow is the Senator’s sense of style.” Members of this honorable house, this situation cannot be allowed to continue unchecked. The dignity of this institution, the authority of the chair and the integrity of our proceedings must be preserved at all times. I cannot in good conscience allow the business of this honorable senate to continue under the present circumstances as doing so would risk undermining the very standards and principles with which we are entrusted to uphold. I expect all senators to reflect on their responsibilities and to conduct themselves in a manner befitting the honor and privilege of serving in this chamber.”

The President did not order either senator to leave the chamber. Instead, she reminded all members that while debate can be spirited, senators are expected to conduct themselves in keeping with the rules and dignity of the Senate.