But the fireworks didn't stop there and continued when Shyne was questioned about his aunt, Denise Sista B Barrow's absence in the House. The party leader, Patrick Faber, even called her out during his own press conference. Shyne refrained from commenting on whether he has spoken to her about it and emphasized that while she isn't making an appearance in the House, she's been busy in her constituency.
Hon. Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"She is engaged in her constituency which I completely appreciate and understand. Being here in the house doesn't necessarily translate to service, being in the constitution, dealing with people one on one, you can't go wrong there."
"As I said, everyone has their different approach, she has been to house sittings, you'd have to talk to her, I'm not her spokesperson, I did not speak to her this morning to find out why she didn't come but as I said I know she's very much engaged in her constituency and her philosophy is to stay in her constituency, she does not want to deal with some of the madness that happens in parliament with the name calling and the attacks and personal attacks and the back and forth and sometimes people may look at it well what's the point of going to be abused and disrespected and insulted which is normal behavior for some of the members. I understand the narratives that you have…"
Reporter:
"The public sir…"
Hon. Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"No you don't speak for the public, Marisol you don't speak for the public, you think you speak for the public and I respect your opinions but then you have to respect my position and not try to pressure me to conform."
Reporter:
"As the fourth estate we get to challenge you."
Hon. Shyne Barrow, Leader of the Opposition
"But when I say things over and over again then you criticize me that I am repeating myself so I try to be as clear as possible and my position as far as that is clear, I've said it in different ways but I'll try to say it one more time so that you don't put words into my mouth and I know that you will edit it subjectively. The member from Queen Square is very committed to her constituents, she's one of the hardest working area representatives that I have ever had the chance to work with and her dedication is in her constituency. The type of madness that takes place in parliament with the name calling, with the criticism on a person nature, personal attacks, the abuse…"
"In there sometimes, I can take it, but I cannot fault someone for not wanting to deal with that. So again, the law is if you miss a certain amount of house meetings, the speaker will take action."
Sista B can only be held accountable if she, quote, "is absent from the House for more than six consecutive sittings occurring during the same Session" of the house.
