Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Monday urged newly returned Speaker of the House Osbert Frederick to continue safeguarding the dignity and integrity of Parliament while maintaining firmness in the chamber.

Browne made the remarks during the first sitting of the new Parliament following the swearing-in of Members of Parliament and the formal election of Frederick as Speaker.

“The Parliament remains a sacred chamber of responsibility of our democracy,” Browne said.

He congratulated Frederick on his reappointment and also extended congratulations to Philmore Benjamin, who was elected Deputy Speaker.

Browne told both men they had a responsibility to operate “with wisdom, fairness, and certainly firmness.”

“I emphasize firmness because I know that from time to time, in your previous appointment as speaker, you were actually challenged by members on the other side, but you’re always fair and firm,” Browne said. “And for that we congratulate you and we expect you to continue the tradition.”

The prime minister said Frederick was “entrusted with safeguarding the dignity, order, and integrity of this honorable house” and urged him to ensure Parliament “does not descend into chaos.”

Browne added that he was confident both Frederick and Benjamin would discharge their responsibilities “with distinction” during the new parliamentary term.

Earlier in the sitting, Frederick thanked lawmakers for the confidence placed in him after being returned unopposed as Speaker.

“I do deem it an honor and a privilege,” Frederick said, adding that he prayed God would give him “the wisdom and strength necessary to continue to serve the people of this fair land in this capacity.”

At the close of the sitting, Frederick again congratulated all elected MPs and welcomed students from Jennings Secondary School who were present in the public gallery as part of their educational development.

He told the students that some among them could one day become members of Parliament themselves.