Amid a raging row over who has the authority to convene Parliament, the Speaker today said that the Mace, the symbol of the authority of the office of the speaker was stolen but the Clerk later said that it had been taken for cleaning and would be returned shortly.
The stunning announcement was made this evening by the office of Speaker, Raphael Trotman. The Speaker and his Clerk, Sherlock Isaacs have differed over who has the authority to call Parliament as the country waits with bated breath. The convening of Parliament has great significance as it will likely see a motion of no-confidence being moved against the government with the likelihood of the government collapsing and fresh elections being held. The movement of the Mace raises questions about the security arrangements for Parliament Building.
During a similar crisis in 1963 in then British Guiana, it was reported that the then PPP administration had instructed the clerk to take away the Mace from the legislature as a means of preventing any sittings which the then Speaker, Rahaman B Gajraj was attempting to summon.
The Speaker Trotman’s statement follows:
SPEAKER’S MACE STOLEN – REPORT MADE TO COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
Today, on entering the Speaker’s Office I discovered that the Mace, the symbol of authority of the office of Speaker of the National Assembly, was removed from its usual place without my permission, knowledge or consent. The entire protective case in which the Mace is kept is also missing in its entirety.
From time immemorial, the Mace is kept in the Speaker’s office and is only removed by the Sergeant-at-Arms for use during sittings or for temporary viewing by guests on tour of the National Assembly.
Upon making enquiries no one could furnish a reasonable response or explanation as to its whereabouts. Staff members appeared afraid to give provide and explanation.
The Clerk’s statement follows:
Please be informed that the Parliamentary Mace has not been stolen as was reported.
The Mace was taken to the Clerk’s Office for cleaning, as is customary, and also for a new housing box to be made out of (Perspex).
It will remain in the Clerk’s Office over the weekend and then (be) returned to the Speaker’s Office on Monday, 3rd November, 2014.
All for your information and guidance.