KINGSTON, Jamaica – Opposition Senate Leader Peter Bunting was ordered to restrain himself on Friday after taunting Senator Charles Sinclair in the Senate, calling him a “fool and an idiot” and telling him to shut up.
The exchange occurred when Bunting was furious and lashed out at Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson’s decision to cut off Senator Lambert Brown’s presentation after Senator Brown called Tavares-Finson a liar twice and refused to concede when Tavares-Finson attempted to explain an issue Senator Brown had raised about the use of the Establishment Clause in the legislative process.
As Senator Tavares Finson handed down the sentence, Senator Bunting rose to protest to the Senate President and then led the Opposition members walking out of the chamber.
Government lawyer and Senator Charles Sinclair told Mr Bunting he should not defend Brown because his language towards Brown was “clearly unparliamentary and disrespectful”.
“He was rude. You can’t talk to the president like that. Have a good day,” Mr Sinclair commented as Mr Bunting prepared to walk out of the Senate meeting in opposition to Tavares-Finson’s decision.
“Shut your mouth! You’re a fool and a silly fool, a fool and a silly fool,” Bunting cried out to Sinclair.
During the heated argument, Mr Bunting used the word “terrible” as he packed his bags to leave Parliament House, prompting Government Senator Abka Fitz-Henley to intervene.
“Exercise restraint. You think this is a random attack? Exercise restraint. Don’t forget where you are,” Mr Fitzhenry told the opposition senate leader and former security minister.
Government MPs also accused Mr Bunting of exaggerating to gain headlines.
“What you’re trying to create is a headline. It’s hard to create a drive-time headline with a hyped-up rant after 3pm, so you’d better come out,” Fitzhenry countered to Bunting.
Mr Bunting was the last of the seven Opposition Senators present to leave the chamber. Before leaving, he turned and glared at Mr Fitzhenry and Mr Sinclair before walking out of the chamber.
A heated argument broke out during a debate on a bill to amend the Road Traffic Act.
After the opposition parties walked out, Acting Speaker of the House Matthew Samuda ended debate on the bill and government lawmakers voted in favour of passing it.
The bill would allow for demerit points for traffic violations committed before 2023 to be voided.
The bill was approved by the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
