Tensions Explode in Parliament: Russell Stands by Brown Burke After Mace Controversy!

April 29, 2026 - KINGSTON, Jamaica — Kenneth Russell, an Opposition Member of Parliament, expressed that the atmosphere in Parliament had reached a critical threshold, as members felt overlooked during the discussions on the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) Bill on Tuesday. "We felt it was unjust. The session has genuinely progressed to a stage where our voices weren't being acknowledged. There wasn't sufficient time allocated for the discussions we wished to have, and in her attempt to be heard, she acted out," Russell stated. He admitted that the behavior of fellow Opposition MP Angela Brown Burke was inappropriate but maintained that the overall environment within the chamber played a role in her outburst. "We operate in a setting where it seems necessary to push the boundaries. We represent our constituents and aim to have our concerns voiced on significant matters. When that isn't happening, a degree of defiance becomes essential," he remarked. His remarks followed intense scenes in Gordon House late Tuesday night, where Speaker Juliet Holness named and suspended Brown Burke after she made contact with the ceremonial mace amidst a heated debate regarding the NaRRA Bill. The altercation prompted a temporary suspension of proceedings, with the marshal instructed to escort Brown Burke out after she repeatedly ignored requests to leave the chamber. Prime Minister Andrew Holness later called on members to restore order and uphold the dignity of the House