Hon. Speaker Sir Alden McLaughlin

GEORGE TOWN, 19th September 2024

Members of Parliament (MPs) were notified today that the First Meeting of the 2024-2025 Session will take place at the House of Parliament on 7th October 2024 starting at 10:00 a.m. following the issuance of Proclamations No. 1 and 2 of 2024, which prorogued the Parliament and launched the new session, respectively.

“This past year has been a dynamic and eventful Session,” remarked the Speaker, Hon. Sir Alden McLaughlin. “We witnessed significant shifts in Government leadership and key portfolios, tackled important legislation, and engaged in essential debate over the Government’s budget, spending, and policies.”

Reflecting on a memorable Session, the Speaker added: “It was an honour to be appointed Speaker last November and to host Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons, during his official visit to our Parliament this summer. Now, we look forward to a fresh start and the important work ahead for our nation.”

The items of business for the First Meeting of the 2024-2025 Session include Government Motion No. 1 of 2024-2025, “Referendum on Cruise Berthing Infrastructure” which is to be moved in the House by Hon. Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Ports. Members have until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, 30th September to submit any additional Motions to the Clerk.

Among the additional items slated for the House is the Information and Communications Technology (Validation) Bill, 2024 and various Annual Reports detailing the activities and expenditures of Government Ministries, Departments, Statutory Authorities and other entities. Any new Bills would be considered in the following Meeting given the Constitutional amendment in 2020 that changed the consultation period from 21 days to 28 days.

The Business Committee will convene prior to the First Meeting to determine the order of business for each Sitting, with daily Order Papers to be posted on the Parliament’s website.