Announcing that it would be his last time formally communicating to the House of Assembly, Speaker of the House Dr. Kendal Major made an impassioned farewell speech at the beginning of yesterday's sitting and implored the next government to prioritize tabling bills in the new session of Parliament that would fundamentally change the institution.
Parliament is expected to soon be dissolved. The decision on the timing ultimately rests with the prime minister.
The House would automatically dissolve on May 23, five years after the first sitting of Parliament, if it is not dissolved by then.
"We are rapidly approaching the culmination of a five-year session of Parliament, and what a session it has been," Major said.
"This, therefore, will serve as my last formal communication to this honorable House.
"I want to begin by thanking the Right Honorable member for Centreville (Perry Christie, prime minister) for recommending me to the high office of speaker, and the entire House for your overwhelming election to this high office.
"By extension, I also want to thank the member for Killarney, (Dr. Hubert Minnis, leader of the FNM) the member for Long Island (Loretta Butler-Turner, leader of the opposition) and the member for Marco City (Greg Moss, former leader of the United Democratic Party) for their cooperation during the functioning of the House, particularly in the midst of several adversarial incidents.
"Two members, who, because of the nature of their offices, of which there was much collaboration with, [were] the member for Central Grand Bahama (Neko Grant, the former leader of opposition business) and the member for Bains and Grants Town (Dr. Bernard Nottage, leader of government business).
"To the member for Central Grand Bahama, I thank you for your collegiality and maturity during this parliamentary session.
"I wish you every success as you retire, leaving an outstanding record in public service."
There was widespread applause from parliamentarians.
Grant gave up the post last August, saying recent events -- namely his support in removing Minnis as leader of the opposition, which was fulfilled four months later -- made Minnis dissatisfied with his service.
Addressing Nottage, Major thanked him for his "quiet resolve, yet resolute example of leadership demonstrated".
"You are not retiring, at least not voluntarily, so I guess you will be seen in the political fray," Major said.
Major said he has constantly advocated for the deepening of The Bahamas' democracy and the institution of Parliament, noting that it would "engender a greater level of trust of our people".
"I call on both government and opposition in the next Parliament to prioritize this idea whose time has come. Despite incremental steps that were made, there must be a desire to further strengthen our institution."
He said despite an appointed committee reviewing and reporting on the matter, "we remain fundamentally where we started", something that should be a matter of concern to all parliamentarians.
Major said he hopes and prays that amongst the first bills tabled in the new session of Parliament will be proposed legislation that proposes fundamental changes to Parliament "for it is a critical plank in our quest to produce a fair and just society".
"Honorable members, I am reminded of the words uttered by this speaker after my election to the chair on May 23, 2012, recognizing that I was embarking upon a new level of responsibilities in public life," he said.
"I spoke to the scripture where King Solomon, after given access to anything he wanted, declared that the only thing he wanted was the wisdom to lead his people.
"I believe within the full context of my stewardship our democracy was advanced and our people were the beneficiaries of our efforts."
Major also had a message for the MPs who have "moved away from the glare of the light of public office".
"I wish you Godspeed as you continue to fulfill His purpose in your lives," he said.
"Special thanks are extended to the deputy speaker and member for Nassau Village (Dion Smith), and also the member for South, Central Andros and Mangrove Cay (Picewell Forbes), for agreeing to step in when we needed you."
Major also thanked the staff of the House of Assembly, including House clerks, praising them for their institutional knowledge and counsel.
He also thanked his personal assistant, the sergeant of arms, past and present, and the entire team of professionals.

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