Progressive Labour Party Senators have been criticised for an apparent boycott of the afternoon session of the Senate yesterday.

Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy denounced the absence of the Opposition’s representatives — Diallo Rabain, Renee Ming and Marc Daniels — as a “failing in our democracy”.

Mr Rabain and Ms Ming were present in the morning but no one from the PLP was in the Senate later in the day while public bills — including the Nursing Amendment Act, the Bermuda National Library Amendment Act and the Development and Planning Amendment Act — were under discussion.

“In my view, no matter what the Opposition may think of the Government, or whether you oppose Government process or oppose the Governor’s decision, for whatever reason you think it’s not appropriate to come to the Senate, this is a failing in our democracy,” Mr Fahy, representing the ruling One Bermuda Alliance, said.

“Comments can be made to the Government — their views on how we conduct business — but they don’t find it fit to come to the Senate and express those views. It’s a duty to be in the chamber and at least have one representative so the Opposition’s views are heard.

“It’s been a much easier day but that’s not what this is about, it’s about democracy and having people’s views heard.

“I hope the Opposition sees fit, even if the Governor doesn’t capitulate to their demands, to come back to the House and Senate in November.

“It makes our life easier when they don’t attend but it’s important that they do.

“To the people of Bermuda, stay calm even though you may not like decisions that have been made.”