ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA: OPPOSITION LEADER Tillman Thomas tells CARIBUPDATE he will make a counter-nominee for the Speaker of the House of Parliament when the seventh session begins Friday. Government has already indicated that its choice of speaker is former cabinet member Lawrence Joseph. Traditionally before the sitting both sides agree on the Speaker, but this time the opposition National Democratic Congress has declared its seven parliamentarians will not back Joseph. Thomas told CARIBUPDATE Thursday that “the proposed appointment is not in keeping with the spirit of our democracy, and is not in the interest of fair play.” Thomas said Joseph is not “sanitize enough from the partisan political process to make a fair speaker”, noting that only three months ago he was the Chairman of the New National Party. The Opposition Leader said he intends to nominate Cecelia Quashie instead when the House meets on Friday. Thomas described Quashie as an outstanding and experienced member of the community, whose appetite for fair play and justice are well established. Quashie is a one-time political advisor to former Prime Minister Herbert Blaize. Thomas said the nomination of Joseph does him a disservice and puts him unnecessarily in the midst of controversy. The NDC leader said if the government goes ahead with his nomination “a huge cross section of the population will hold the very democratic process suspect.” He said the appointment of someone as Quashie will be a good thing for parliament and the country. Thomas said: “The members of the government have a wonderful opportunity to show that the election campaign is over, and that as the government of the day they can rise above partisanship.” “We want to work with the government in a bi-partisan way on a number of issues that we think will benefit the people in this seventh parliament. We think unanimity on this issue will be a good way to start,” he added. The seventh session of the Grenada parliament opens here Friday with the traditional throne speech from the Governor General. Government and opposition have openly feuded over the appointment of the speaker. NDC favored the return of educator George McGuire who was appointed a year ago by the Keith Mitchell administration. But Prime Minister Mitchell said McGuire had indicated his unavailability forcing a change. However McGuire subsequently told the press that he was available if both sides can agree on his appointment. SOURCE: CARIBUPDATE.COM