Speaking during the debate for the government’s Integrity in Public Life bill, Smith said Opposition members usually go missing at key moments, particularly during what is known as ‘Committee Stage’ deliberations, which is a privately-held segment of the legislative process.

“Half of the time when we come to do bills here and you’re looking for the Opposition, they gone home; in the committee stage. Most times whenever we do a bill here, when everybody done make their comment and when time come for the Committee, half of them cannot be found,” Smith said.

The Deputy Speaker was keen on stating, however, that Opposition Leader Marlon Penn is present most times, but said the majority of the Opposition is usually not around.

According to the Deputy Speaker, the most important part of of the legislative process is during the ‘Committee Stage’ when bills are being ventilated and amendments and changes are made.

“If you are not there, how can you contribute?” Smith questioned. “You contributing now [when proceedings are public] is just for the media?”

“If we are serious about this country these are the kinds of bills that we have to pass to show that we have integrity and we are going to be accountable,” Smith added.

Smith further questioned why there was Opposition to the bill and why it appeared that bills were being brought ‘for show’ whenever they were presented by the ruling Virgin Islands Party (VIP) administration.

“Every time we try to do something to make things right, it’s a problem,” the Deputy Speaker stated.