Addressing the 9th parliament for the first and final time, Sir Peter, who held the position in the last eight years, said it is a sad moment for him to address parliament for the last time.
“Honourable members of the house, it is with a heavy heart that I address you one last time as your speaker after 8 years serving this honourable house,” Sir Peter began.
“Whilst for me personally, leaving gives me the opportunity to rest, I’m still sad to bid this house and members farewell today,” he said.
Sir Peter said he has been part of the house since 1974 either as chief minister, prime minister, member and speaker.
“So I have developed a soft spot for parliament and a genuine concern about how parliament leads this nation forward.
“Today, I finally retire fully from any official capacity in parliament since myself and former pioneer colleagues formed the first Governing Council in 1974.
“Today, as one of the pioneers and founders of this nation and this house, I finally retire from the house completely and leave it in the capable hands of my successor and in your good hands as the member of the house who will take us forward in the next four years,” he said.
Sir Peter described his term as speaker as a humbling honour for him to have served on two terms.
He apologised to the leaders if he had been unfair and insulting to them.
“I can only hope that in my tenure as speaker, I have been fair and accommodating to you.
“If I inadvertently insulted you or was unfair to any of you in the past 8 years, please accept my most profound apology,” he said.
He admitted that it has been tough trying to manage and accommodate many differing interests whilst remaining impartial and avoid politics.
“At least I gave my best attempt in doing that.
“If I failed in that regard in the past, I ask your forgiveness for I am only but a human who is just prone to frailties that mankind share, irrespective of what society one belongs to,” he said.
He said he was delighted to see the 9th parliament convened.
Former member of parliament for Savo/Russell Sir Allan Kemakeza replaces Sir Peter following yesterday’s election.
By MOFFAT MAMU
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