As the Budget 2016 debate continues today, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland had to order People’s Progressive Party Parliamentarian, Needkumar to refrain from describing the APNU+AFC administration as the “de facto” government.

Needkumar is the first speaker to kick start the debate during today’s sitting and in the first few minutes of his speech, the Speaker had cause to interject after Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman objected to his use of language.

When the Speaker asked the Opposition Parliamentarian to correct his language, Needkumar sought to justify his actions by pointing out that there is a petition engaging the attention of the court.

In this regard, Speaker Scotland made it clear that he should refrain from describing the government in that manner.

“It ought not to be uttered by you… Freedom of Speech is enjoyed by all of us in this Assembly…we cannot continue to pretend it is otherwise when it suits our purpose,” the Speaker declared.

However, after appearing reluctant to correct himself, the Speaker again ordered Needkumar to correct his mistake.

“If we make a mistake, is it so difficult to withdraw? I do not understand the reluctance of honourable members in this House to acknowledge an error and put it right,” the Speaker said.

In response, Needkumar said, “Mr Speaker, I withdraw right?”