The Houses of Parliament has sought to clarify that its speaker, Juliet Holness did not issue a directive for the cancellation of several parliamentary committee meetings this week.

Mrs. Holness was chided on the matter by Opposition members during Wednesday’s sitting of the Public Appropriations Committee (PAAC).

PAAC Chairman, Mikael Phillips said an initial email was sent to members advising of the cancellation of the committee’s meeting.

He noted that a subsequent email indicated that the meeting could go ahead as planned.

Wednesday’s meeting proceeded with Mr. Phillips and two members who formed a quorum, as outlined in the Standing Orders.

Committee member Fitz Jackson said the House Speaker overstepped her authority.

However, in a statement yesterday, the Houses of Parliament explained that no directive for cancellation was given by the speaker, and that there was miscommunication on the matter.

It explained further that in light of catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Beryl, the Speaker expressed concern that there were difficulties in contacting many of the members by telephone.

There was also concern that with the urgent need for Members of Parliament to be present in their constituencies to assist with recovery efforts, the majority of the committee members would not be available to attend the meetings.

Therefore, some of the parliamentary committee meetings were cancelled, due to the unavailability of members to form a quorum.

The Houses of Parliament said there was no intention to usurp authority or disrupt parliamentary processes, beyond what was essential for addressing the natural disaster emergency.

It said it regrets any confusion or inconvenience caused.