16 questions for answers in Parliament on Thursday

THE NEXT SITTING of the House of Assembly is scheduled for this Thursday, July 29.

And there are 16 Questions on the Order Paper for oral answers spanning a number of issues, including the fiscal position of the government for the second quarter of 2021; the extent of damage to the country caused by the eruption of La Soufriere in April 2021 and the total cost of that damage; the arrangement between British airline Virgin Atlantic and the government for the operating of its service; and whether the 2018 Poverty Assessment, which was leaked to the public last year, has been completed.

Four bills have also been listed for debate: Securities Bill (2021); Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission Agreement Bill (2021); Medical Officers (Amendment) Bill (2021) and the Public Health (Amendment) Bill (2021). During previous sittings of Parliament this month, there were protests on the streets of Kingstown outside the House of Parliament against several issues
highlighted by the protesters who said the main matter surrounded the shooting incident involving Cornelius John, a resident of Diamond.

Among the protesters were members of the Opposition, including Opposition leader, Dr Godwin Friday.

Senator Ashelle Morgan, who is also the deputy Speaker of the House, and Karim Nelson, the Assistant Director of Public Prosecution are alleged to be involved in this matter and have since had charges brought against them.

Friday, while on the picket line with members of the public, said their goal is for fresh elections to take place in St Vincent and the Grenadines.