In a dramatic turn of events during Tuesday’s parliamentary session in Jamaica, Speaker of the House of Representatives Juliet Holness condemned the walkout by Opposition members as a “breach of parliamentary decorum” and an act that “undermines the interests of the people of Jamaica.” The incident unfolded after Opposition Leader Mark Golding led the walkout, protesting Holness’ decision to cut him off mid-statement. The tension escalated when Opposition MPs sought to question Environment Minister Matthew Samuda about an impending tropical storm but were repeatedly denied the floor. Christopher Brown, MP for St Mary South Eastern, was notably silenced by Holness when he attempted to raise concerns about unpaid contractors, a matter she deemed “out of order” under parliamentary rules. Holness defended her actions, citing Standing Orders that restrict questions to matters within a minister’s official cognisance and prohibit hypothetical or opinion-based inquiries. She expressed regret over the Opposition’s refusal to engage in private discussions to resolve the dispute, accusing them of publicly challenging her authority. The incident has sparked debate over parliamentary procedures and the balance of power within Jamaica’s legislative body.