ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, OCTOBER 28TH- Grenada’s Parliament descended into procedural turmoil Tuesday, forcing a premature adjournment after opposition members received critical documents just one day before the sitting—violating the mandatory seven-day notice requirement.

The October 28th session collapsed following heated exchanges over what Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell called a “wholesale failure” by parliamentary administration to provide proper documentation to legislators.

Opposition members reported receiving official papers only on October 27th via an email link, leaving them unable to prepare for debates on bills and resolutions adequately.

The Prime Minister questioned whether Parliament was even legally constituted, noting the confusion: “I am not clear if the opposition is no longer maintaining that position…it seems to me that we are kind of all over the place.”

Speaker Leo Cato attempted a compromise—proceeding only with urgent committee appointments before adjourning—but failed to communicate this clearly to all parties beforehand.

The opposition further objected to the unilateral announcement that Parliament would reconvene on November 4th. “Because this house comprises two sides…there would at least be some kind of collaboration or conversation as it relates to the date for the next sitting,” complained opposition leader Emmalin Pierre.

Parliament ultimately adjourned until Tuesday, November 4th at 9:00 am, but tensions remained unresolved.

This latest controversy adds to mounting criticism of Speaker Cato’s parliamentary management.

In recent months, Cato has faced accusations of bias and incompetence, including a dramatic walkout led by former opposition Leader Dr. Keith Mitchell after the Speaker suspended his presentation.

Former Senate President Chester Humphrey previously accused Cato of being “unfair,” stating the Speaker “sees himself as a lion tamer and his role is there to tame Dr. Mitchell.”

Another clash erupted when Dr. Mitchell sought clarification on who would close the 2025 budget debate, with Humphrey calling Cato’s handling of that dispute evidence that “the Speaker is unfair.”