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published: Wednesday | April 16, 2008
"... Mr Daryl Vaz," Clerk of the House of Representatives Heather Cooke said as she conducted the roll call at yesterday's sitting of the House.
"Still here ... still here ... still here, thanks to Abe," Vaz responded.
The West Portland Member of Parliament (MP) was ruled booted from the House by the Supreme Court because he has pledged allegiance to the United States and the Constitution prohibits someone with such standing from being in the legislature.
However, with a stay of the order in effect, Vaz was allowed to take his seat inside the Parliament yesterday. He is not guaranteed beyond May 23, but he may return after a by-election.
Renouncing US citizenship
Vaz has begun the process of renouncing his United States citizenship and, yesterday, he caused much laughter. The Government member was armed with his Jamaican passport and he missed few opportunities to remind the House of his predicament.
But it was not all about Vaz. When the name Ian Hayles was mentioned, a member from the government side shouted, "On his way out."
Hayles had made attempts to renounce his US citizenship to run in the general election.
At one point during yesterday's sitting, Vaz crossed the floor to have dialogue with Hayles.
On another occasion, when Dr Omar Davies, who was making his contribution to the Budget Debate, said he would be heading to the United States, Vaz quipped, "Unfortunately, I cannot come with you."
"... Mr Daryl Vaz," Clerk of the House of Representatives Heather Cooke said as she conducted the roll call at yesterday's sitting of the House.
"Still here ... still here ... still here, thanks to Abe," Vaz responded.
The West Portland Member of Parliament (MP) was ruled booted from the House by the Supreme Court because he has pledged allegiance to the United States and the Constitution prohibits someone with such standing from being in the legislature.
However, with a stay of the order in effect, Vaz was allowed to take his seat inside the Parliament yesterday. He is not guaranteed beyond May 23, but he may return after a by-election.
Renouncing US citizenship
Vaz has begun the process of renouncing his United States citizenship and, yesterday, he caused much laughter. The Government member was armed with his Jamaican passport and he missed few opportunities to remind the House of his predicament.
But it was not all about Vaz. When the name Ian Hayles was mentioned, a member from the government side shouted, "On his way out."
Hayles had made attempts to renounce his US citizenship to run in the general election.
At one point during yesterday's sitting, Vaz crossed the floor to have dialogue with Hayles.
On another occasion, when Dr Omar Davies, who was making his contribution to the Budget Debate, said he would be heading to the United States, Vaz quipped, "Unfortunately, I cannot come with you."
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