Providenciales, TCI, Febraury 13, 2017 – The fifth All Island member was this morning ejected from the House of Assembly by the Speaker for using offensive language. Hon Washington Misick, Leader of Opposition business in Parliament was caught up in a few antagonistic exchanges during House of Assembly debate today; they were with the Premier, the member for Cheshire Hall and Richmond and with the Speaker, Hon Dwayne Taylor. After some chiding and a break, Hon Misick was given the chance to apologize and to retract what was said.
The former Chief Minister and former Finance Minister of the Turks and Caicos did apologize for some of what happened but refused to apologize for using the term ‘blow hard’ to describe Hon Douglas Parnell. “I call on the Honorable Leader of the Opposition, to apologize to this honorable house and to the Honorable Chair and to the Premier for statements made, and to also withdraw the statements made to the Honorable member for Cheshire Hall Richmond Hill.” – Speaker of House
“The comments in reference to the chair I agree was inappropriate and so was it in reference to our Honorable Premier, and with that I am happy to withdraw those comments. As it relates to my comments in relation to “blow hard”, I stand on the dictionary, it is not an offensive word, and I will not withdraw it, and I will not apologize.” – Leader of Opposition
“I find that the language, a pom-pass blow hard, and the context in which it was done, I find it offensive and insulting, and the fact that the Honorable Leader of the opposition has refuse to withdraw such statements, I refer to section 80 of the standing orders and I would ask that the Honorable Leader of the opposition to withdraw immediately from the House for the remainder of the day’s sitting.” – Speaker of House
Blow hard is one who boasts and brags about them self in an unpleasant and excessive way and so it is in essence, an insult to one’s character. According to the Rules of Debate in the House of Assembly Powers and Privileges paper, it is said and I quote: “it shall be out of order to use offensive and insulting language about members of the House of Assembly.”
The Attorney General offered direction in the matter and it was put to vote; 11 saying Yes, six saying No and one Member abstaining from the vote which unequivocally determined that Hon Misick was rightfully barred from House of Assembly debate until further notice.
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