“Your disappointment is understandable.”
Words from PLP Leader David Burt expressing regret over the shortage of MPs in the House of Assembly to establish a vote on the new Education Authority Bill.
In a letter sent to Progressive Labour Party members, Mr. Burt said he was absent at a private engagement, and “I have publicly accepted full responsibility for this failure as Party Leader”.
Mr. Burt said he issued an apology direct to Education Minister Diallo Rabain over the matter: “I have spoken with the Chairman of the Party. MPs who were absent for either of tonight’s two votes will receive a letter from her to attend Central Committee on Monday evening, 9 November, where this matter will be on the agenda.”
He further pledged to review what happened last Friday on whether the absences were authorised and agreed arrangements for the vote were followed.
Mr. Burt said: “The Bill remains before the House, and consideration will resume on 20 November. I will cancel any ministerial travel approved for that time so that we have all ministers present to pass this important legislation.”
The Education Authority Bill had been tabled and prepared for debate as a means of depoliticising the public education system of governance through an independent board of leaders.
If passed, a group from the Board of Education will elect those who have applied to the EA and enter into phase two, where the Minister is posed to sign off on the selected candidates.
