ST. LUCIA-Speaker denies moving to curb press freedom.

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Claudius Francis, Friday, said it was never his intention to “interfere with the need of the people to know” regarding the proceedings of Parliament, reminding legislators that he has a history of defending the freedom of the press in St. Lucia.

“But we shall proceed with the clear understanding that I will not tolerate the disrespect I have allowed,” Francis said in the past, noting that the “disrespect to the Chair which has been evident will not continue.

“The minute it rears its head henceforth, it will be dealt with decisively and with the full force of the Standing Orders,” he told legislators.

Earlier this week, Francis, who also hosts a weekly live television program, told legislators that he was considering discontinuing live broadcasts of Parliament. His statement followed a heated exchange between himself and the Opposition Leader, Allen Chastanet, who had refused to take his seat when asked repeatedly by the Speaker.

Francis eventually addressed the Government Information Service (GIS) crew broadcasting the proceedings, informing them that he had the authority under the Standing Orders to request that they turn off their cameras.

In a statement, the main opposition United Workers Party (UWP) described Francis’ move as an attempt to “potentially cease live coverage of the sessions of Parliament.

“In this modern age, live coverage allows the public to engage in the democratic process and to hear robust debate on the issues and the thinking behind decisions made on their behalf.”

The UWP said that “this regressive move by the Speaker is a blatant attack on transparency and democracy,” adding, “such a decision raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to an open and accountable democratic process.

“Live coverage of parliamentary proceedings, a standard practice throughout the democracies of the Commonwealth and other legislative bodies around the world, serves as a vital channel for citizens to hear and understand the complexities of the issues and the rationale behind the legislative decisions that shape our nation.

“Speaker Francis’ attempt to restrict this access undermines the very principles upon which our democracy stands,” the UWWP said, adding that “this move is perceived by many as an effort to shield government members and to stifle the voice of the Opposition Leader whose duty it is to raise questions and offer opinions on the legislation at hand.”

But Francis told legislators on Friday during the parliamentary session that was being broadcast live that “having checked the relevant legal and other authorities, I certainly know how far my authority and responsibilities extend.”

He said since his election as the Speaker. He has only acted on the authority of the Standing Orders and the Privileges Act.

He recalled that he ruled against a government minister during Tuesday’s parliamentary session, who immediately but respectfully disagreed, “but…just as quickly took his seat”.

Francis said to date, the minister still needs to raise the issue.

The Speaker said that while there is no dispute regarding the population’s need to know and follow what transpires in Parliament, “never let it be believed that a live broadcast is a right. It is not”.

The Speaker recalled his many efforts in the past to ensure the proceedings of Parliament were broadcast to the population.

“I do not have any beef with any individual member of this House, including the Leader of the Opposition. I share an excellent outside-of-the-house relationship with the Leader of the Opposition.”

The two men have had a history of disagreements in the Parliament, including at least one such matter reaching before the courts.

The Speaker said that Chastanet’s mobile rang thrice during Tuesday’s sitting. Had he acted under the House rules, the phone could have been confiscated, and the Opposition Leader even paid him a fine.

“I did not intervene…So I don’t know where my beef is with the Leader of the Opposition,” Francis told the House, insisting that disrespect to the Chair would not continue.