Hon Wheatley was at the time speaking during the Monday, December 20, 2021, debates of the Integrity in Public Life Act, 2021, after second District Legislator Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) had reportedly complained about HoA sittings on the Act in the days leading up to Christmas.

Hon Turnbull has complained that with all the challenges of the time, such as COVID-19 and the recently passed budget, it may not have been best to bring the Act for debate in the days leading up to Christmas.

Hon Melvin M. Turnbull during his presentation had complained that with all the challenges of the time such as COVID-19 and the recently passed budget, the days leading up to Christmas may not have been best to propose the Integrity Act.

Legislators have work to do - Dr Wheatley

However, according to Dr Wheatley, “As Legislators we go in the House of Assembly and we make laws. That's one of the chief things that we do, so I don't think that's something for us to complain about, that it's Christmas time and we don't want to be in the House of Assembly too long.”

The legislator reminded that Monday, December 20, 2021, the day of the sitting, was not a holiday and the people’s work still had to be done.

“You know Christmas and Boxing Day fall on Saturday and Sunday and the holidays are on Monday and Tuesday. And today is Monday. You know public officers are to work today,” he added.

“So Mr Speaker, we have work to do… let's do the work and not complain about this Christmas time. If persons want to go caroling after they can go caroling after or go out and enjoy themselves, but now it's time to do the people's work,” Dr Wheatley said.