Member of Parliament for St. Michael North West, Neil Rowe, has been officially reinstated as Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, following the sudden resignation of St. Thomas MP Cynthia Forde.
The announcement was made during Tuesday’s sitting of Parliament by House Speaker Arthur Holder, who confirmed that Forde had stepped down from the post with immediate effect. Her resignation letter, read aloud by Holder, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.
“I have enjoyed the opportunity to be given the privilege to serve in such a distinguished position,” Forde stated in her letter. She went on to thank her parliamentary colleagues for their patience, guidance, and support during her time in the role.
Following the reading of the resignation, Deputy Prime Minister and Leader of Government Business Santia Bradshaw moved to formally nominate Rowe to resume the post. The nomination was accepted, returning Rowe to a role he previously held until January 2024, when he was replaced by Forde after being charged with rape.
Rowe was acquitted of the charge in May of this year, clearing the way for his return to the deputy speaker’s chair. His reinstatement marks a significant political turn, coming more than a year after stepping aside amid the criminal proceedings.
