Opposition Parliamentarians are condemning social-media comments posted by Speaker of the House Osbert Frederick yesterday, June 4, in which he clearly showed political bias against the United Progressive Party (UPP).
The comments, referencing the US Federal Judge’s ruling on subpoenas sought in the _Alfa Nero_ matter, “are nakedly partisan,” the MPs say. The implication is that the UPP Members“wished and hoped for this nation’s name and reputation to be stained” – words posted by Mr. Frederick on Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s Facebook page.
“That the Speaker of the House would go so far, in his personal capacity, to attribute such improper motives to Members is a new low,” the MPs say, “particularly when, from inception, the UPP has had _nothing_ to do with the acquisition and sale of the _Alfa Nero_.
It would be impossible for the current House Speaker not to know of the MPs disassociation from the matter since March 2023. “Therefore, his comments reek of malice and partisanship,” they say.
The Party views Mr. Frederick’s comments as an unfortunate pattern that was last evidenced in a threatening letter he issued to St. George MP Algernon Watts in April.
Given this latest demonstration of the “side” on which the Speaker leans, the United Progressive Party Members are forced to accept that they cannot expect the objectivity and professionalism that should characterize the conduct of Mr. Frederick in the House of Representatives.
They will be guided accordingly and will acquaint regional colleagues of this state of affairs through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s regional executive.
“The highest court of the land has been severely compromised,” the UPP MPs conclude.