Neil Rowe Removed As Deputy Speaker of the House Days Before High Court Arraignment

The House of Assembly has revoked the appointment of embattled government MP Neil Rowe as Deputy Speaker of the Chamber.

The move comes just days before Mr. Rowe, the Member of Parliament for St. Michael North West is due to appear in the High Court on a rape charge.

Mr. Rowe was previously indicted on the charge of having sexual intercourse with a woman without her consent and is to be arraigned in the High Court on Thursday.

During today’s sitting of the House of Assembly, the Speaker Arthur Holder, gave notice that he received notice of and gave consent to the tabling of a motion by Leader of Government Business in the House, Santia Bradshaw, to revoke Mr. Rowe’s appointment as Deputy Speaker.

Miss Bradshaw then tabled the motion which was seconded by Attorney General, Dale Marshall, and quickly passed by the rest of the members with St. Thomas MP Cynthia Forde appointed as the new Deputy Speaker.

Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly, Santia Bradshaw.

Member of Parliament for St. Philip North, Sonia Browne, who recently resigned from the cabinet rose and raised a number of questions about the motion including the speed with which it was tabled and passed.

However, the speaker made it clear the matter was already concluded.