Conduct and responsibilities of the Speaker of the House

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As a citizen of Jamaica, I am compelled to express my deep disappointment and concern regarding the Speaker of the House’s recent conduct in the Speaker’s chair. The office the Speaker holds carries immense responsibility, not merely to the members of parliament, but to the people of Jamaica who look to the Speaker to safeguard fairness, integrity, and respect within one of the nation’s highest decision-making bodies.

The Speaker’s foremost duty is to preside over the affairs of the House with impartiality, ensuring that every member, Government and Opposition alike, is treated with equal respect and afforded the full rights and privileges of their office. The Speaker is there to facilitate all, not just the members of the Government.

Each opposition member of parliament, like every government member, was elected by the people of their constituency and, by extension, Jamaica. They carry the democratic mandate of their constituents.

Some, in fact, command far greater electoral support than the Speaker. Their voices represent the will of thousands, and their right to participate fully in the business of the House is not a favour to be granted, but a constitutional guarantee.

The Speaker’s recent behaviour in the House, marked by open bias and partisan favouritism, has eroded public confidence in the impartiality of the office. Such tribal conduct diminishes the dignity of the Speaker’s chair and brings the honour of the House into disrepute. The Speaker is called to rise above party lines, personal loyalty, and political allegiances, to uphold the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

Regrettably, the Speaker’s actions suggest that she has lost sight of these fundamental duties. The people of Jamaica expect a Speaker who embodies integrity, fairness, and restraint, one who commands respect through even-handed leadership, not partisan display.

Therefore, I urge you, the Speaker, to reflect on the trust reposed by this nation, and restore balance and decorum to the House, and to recommit yourself to the noble standards of impartiality the Speaker’s office demands. Jamaica deserves nothing less.

THELMA JOHILL

thelmajohill@yahoo.com