Notaries Public Bill Sparks Tension in Senate as Opposition Senators Walk Out Amid Debate

Tension emerged in the Senate on Wednesday as the two opposition members staged a walkout during debate on the Notaries Public Bill, citing inadequate notice and lack of information.

The development unfolded after heated exchanges between government and opposition senators over the bill, which was eventually passed. The law is intended to expand and simplify notarisation services and was supported in the lower House of Assembly by Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne.

Opposition Senator Tricia Watson led the charge, accusing the government of failing to provide proper notice or sufficient details about the bill and other items on the day’s agenda.

“Three days ago, two days ago, I asked formally to be advised what we would be debating today. I’m yet to receive a response,” Watson told Senate President Reginald Farley.

She criticised the government’s handling of the legislative process, noting the bill had been on the order paper for over 109 days before being suddenly prioritised.

“We are here to do serious business,” Senator Watson declared. “We are being asked to do this work and this is the crux of it Mr President, no explanatory notes, not to the Notaries [Bill], not to the other ones. Government must do better.”

The government defended its actions, with Senator Lisa Cummins, leader of government business in the upper chamber, saying the bill was meant to “simplify, for the benefit of the public of Barbados, the ease of notarisation”.

Senator Cummins explained the proposed legislation would expand the number of individuals designated as notaries public, addressing longstanding concerns about scarcity and inaccessibility of notarisation services.

The current Notaries Public Act of 2017 restricts notarisation abilities to high-ranking officials such as the solicitor general and various permanent secretaries. The new bill proposes extending this capacity to attorneys with over 10 years of practice and suitable members of the public, subject to training.

As tensions escalated, Senator Cummins accused Senator Watson of misleading the chamber, insisting that notice for the Senate sitting and all agenda items had been sent out “some time ago”.

But Senator Watson vehemently denied this claim, leading to a heated back-and-forth that underscored the discord between government and opposition.

The debate touched on broader issues of procedural discipline and respect within the Senate, as Senator Watson called for an end to “indiscipline and indifference” in parliamentary operations.

“What I’m asking for is civility, and we’re talking about that in our country today and in the highest forum,” she urged. “I want us to do differently, to do better . . . consultation, speaking to each other about the legislation not just what is going to come, but about the actual legislative notification, discussion, description, explanation is mandatory.”

Senator Elizabeth Thompson, deputy president of the Senate rebuffed the criticisms, asserting that the government had operated with a clear agenda and ample preparation time.

“If the honourable senator is unwilling or unable to prepare or just wants to grandstand, that is a matter for her,” said Senator Thompson.

Senator Watson criticised the lack of explanatory notes and detailed information accompanying the bill.

“We do not know what it will cost us to implement the new regime for notaries public. We do not know the cost,” she emphasised.

The escalating tensions culminated in Senator Watson announcing the opposition’s decision to withhold support for the bill, as she and Senator Ryan Walters walked out of the chamber.

Independent Senator Andrew Mallalieu endorsed the bill but echoed calls for improved processes. “In supporting this bill which I understand from the people I consulted with is an excellent bill . . . I simply ask that in order for me to be the best senator and to serve this country as best as I can following the standing orders, having adequate notice, having some explanations would be very helpful.”

(RG)