WILLEMSTAD - Parliament Chairperson Fergino Brownbill has formally addressed the Council of Ministers regarding repeated violations of parliamentary rules during the question hour sessions.

In a letter dated October 24, Brownbill reminded ministers that the question hour is meant exclusively for direct exchanges between Members of Parliament and ministers, not for lengthy introductions or presentations.

According to the Rules of Order, the question hour must remain concise and be completed within one hour, allowing multiple MPs the opportunity to raise questions. Brownbill noted that overly long responses undermine the purpose of the debate and reduce the time available for parliamentary oversight.

The Parliament Chair urged ministers to strictly adhere to the agreed procedures moving forward.

“Keeping the question hour focused and efficient ensures that more parliamentarians have the chance to speak and that discussions remain substantive,” Brownbill emphasized.

The reminder follows growing frustration among MPs that ministers have increasingly used the sessions to make political statements or deliver extended policy explanations rather than directly addressing questions.