Parliament needs to establish a set meeting schedule for House of Assembly and Senate debates, according to Robin Tucker, the Opposition Leader in the Senate.

In a statement, Ms Tucker said: “It is concerning that in this day and age, neither Houses of Parliament have a calendar of meeting dates that allow for legislators to firm up work obligations, business travel and other commitments, which can be difficult to change.

“Legislators are committed to ensuring that the people’s business is conducted and the legislative agenda is advanced.

“However, it can be more efficiently done with the creation of a calendar from which everyone involved can plan and adequately prepare.”

Ms Tucker said that after the Budget debate, the House of Assembly reconvened on May 3 to debate the Bermuda Health Council Amendment Act 2024.

“This important Bill would have been debated in the Senate on May 8, which was nomination day for the Constituency 10 by-election contenders,” she said.

“The Senate meeting date was changed from May 8 to May 15 and agreed upon.

“Work and travel schedules were all adjusted to accommodate the new meeting date then a day later, notification was sent informing that the Senate will now reconvene on May 29.”

Ms Tucker said that because there was not a preset debate schedule, the Government can schedule and adjust meeting dates “at their whim”.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention times we have been brought in to discuss ‘urgent’ matters such as the Motor Car (Classic Cars) Amendment Bill allowing residents to import and drive classic cars on our roads,” she said.

“Random changes to agreed parliamentary meeting dates is hugely disruptive not just for the Opposition but for everyone involved who must make themselves available to ensure that the legislative process is carried out and fully supported.

“It is not just the Opposition and others impacted by the scheduling issues, but there are times that work or travel conflicts arise from date changes that even some government legislators have been unable to attend rescheduled debates.”

Ms Tucker said that the Government could establish a calendar of parliamentary meeting dates for both the House of Assembly and the Senate, and that other jurisdictions posted a schedule online listing what would be debated and when.

“A calendar such as this would not only be a great tool for legislators but also for easy public access,” she said.

“A calendar seems like a simple fix that can solve a big problem and ensure that all hands are on deck to do the people’s business.”