Speaker of the House of Assembly, Derek Bennett, has provided a statement on access to the House of Assembly, ahead of suspected protests on Monday morning by crab harvesters.

“It is the responsibility of the Speaker to act as the guardian of the rights and privileges of Members of the House of Assembly and of the House as an institution. One of the privileges of Members is the right to be free from any obstruction in the execution of their parliamentary duties, which includes attendance at proceedings of the House of Assembly and its Committees so that they can duly represent their constituents. 

As Speaker, I also recognize and affirm the undoubted rights of freedom to lawfully assemble, to lawfully demonstrate and to lawfully dissent, and I recognize that the matters at hand are important. However, I would ask for the cooperation and respect of those who may attend Confederation Building Complex, including the parliamentary precinct, to enable Members to fulfill their parliamentary duties, and those officials who support them in the execution of those duties.”