Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle apologized to Speaker of the House Osbert Frederick on Tuesday for any past disrespect and pledged to maintain a more constructive relationship with the chair during the new parliamentary term.
The apology came during Pringle’s first address after being sworn in as Member of Parliament for All Saints East and St. Luke, when he called for a more balanced and respectful Parliament while outlining his expectations for the term ahead.
Pringle said he was committed to elevating the standard of debate in the House of Representatives and promised to respect the authority of the Speaker.
“I am committed to ensuring that the level of respect that I bring to this honorable house,” he said, adding that “it is my intention to respect the chair at all times.”
The exchange took a personal turn after Pringle suggested that while Frederick believed in fairness, “sometimes it’s not shown.”
Frederick immediately challenged the remark, asking Pringle to identify an occasion on which he had acted unfairly and defending his record as Speaker.
In response, Pringle sought to ease tensions.
“And if ever you felt disrespected by me, it was not intentional,” he said. “I can be man enough to say if I disrespect you, Mr. Speaker, I do apologize for disrespecting you.”
Pringle also expressed hope that relations between the opposition and the chair would improve during the new parliamentary session.
“What I will say going forward, Mr. Speaker, is that I expect a wonderful working relationship,” he said.
The opposition leader said he wanted a Parliament in which both government and opposition members were afforded the opportunity to fully participate in debates and discussions on matters of national importance.
He also urged government members to ensure legislation is circulated to opposition parliamentarians in a timely manner so they can adequately prepare for debate.
The comments marked a conciliatory start to the new term and signaled Pringle’s intention to pursue a more measured approach while continuing to press for what he described as balance and fairness in parliamentary proceedings.