The way has been cleared for Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley to offer two Senate seats to the Democratic Labour Party as well as to appoint 18 year old law student Khaleel Kothdiwala as a government Senator.

The House of Assembly this afternoon passed a constitutional amendment providing a legal framework for the un-elected opposition to be offered seats and also allowing the 18 year old to take a seat in the Upper Chamber.

The Constitution Amendment bill was tabled last week at a brief sitting of the House that following the formal opening of the new parliamentary session.

In leading off the debate Attorney General, Dale Marshall, stated that while the President has full discretion to appoint independent Senators there was no guidance for what should happen where no opposition member wins a seat in the house.

And he indicated it was possible that the Senate seats might be offered to another political party if the DLP declines to accept it.

Meantime, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley stressed the importance of having an official opposition noting that the opposition leader has important constitutional roles to perform including recommending or being consulted on key appointments.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley also sees no reason why an 18 year old who’s otherwise considered to be an adult should be denied the opportunity to serve in the Senate.

And, she stressed the merits of the nominee.

Meantime, Mr. Kothdiwala sees the steps taken today as indicating government’s willingness to give opportunities to young people and to also give a parliamentary voice to their political opponents.