Members of Parliament (MPs) will gather at the House of Parliament on Tuesday, 19th September for the commencement of the First Meeting of the 2023-2024 Session.
On Monday, 11th September, Her Excellency the Governor, Mrs. Jane Owen formally proclaimed the start of the new Session of Parliament, in accordance with section 83 of the Constitution.
“I’m excited for the start of a new Session and the fact that we have a lot of important work ahead of us,” said Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, MP for West Bay Central and Speaker of Parliament. “This new Session will be an opportunity to display the improvements that we have been working on at Parliament.”
“During this Session, we will roll out many enhancements as we step closer towards a more modern Parliament,” added the Speaker. “There are several motions, parliamentary questions, and legislation for Members to discuss and I am pleased that we will be meeting to take care of these important matters as soon as next week.”
The Standing Business Committee, comprised of the Hon. Premier, Hon. Leader of the Opposition, and four Members, will meet on Thursday, 14th September to approve the business of the House which will determine the duration of the First Meeting. The Meeting will likely have several Sittings depending on the amount of business selected by the Committee.
The elected representatives will meet to review and table several annual reports from a variety of government entities. They will consider several Parliamentary Questions, one Government Motion pertaining to a proposed rezoning of land in George Town, and nine Private Members’ Motions covering a wide range of topics.
Members will also consider four bills: Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill, 2023; Public Lands (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2023; Plant Protection Bill, 2023; Terminal Charges (Validation) Bill, 2023.
“Parliament is a vibrant and busy place with important democratic work being conducted in its Chamber,” said Hon. Ebanks-Wilks. “I hope that the public will tune in and connect with their Members to share what matters most to them, because increased engagement is how the concerns of the public can best be represented in this House.”
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