Purpose

1. These Standing Orders contain rules for the conduct of the proceedings of the House and for the exercise of the powers possessed by the House. They are not intended to diminish or restrict the rights, privileges and immunities of the House and its Committees collectively or of its Members individually.

2. (1) When the Assembly first meets after a primary election, the President shall administer the oath or confirmation of office to the Assemblymen, the Presiding Officer, the Councillors and the Deputy Presiding Officer in accordance with the provisions of the Tobago House of Assembly Act, 1996 and these Standing Orders.

(2) Any person elected or appointed to serve in the Assembly, who is not present when the Assembly first meets, shall be administered the oath or affirmation of office by the President, not later than one month after the date of his election or appointment to office, unless the Assembly resolves to extend the period of one month to a period not exceeding three months.

(3) A person elected or appointed to the Assembly to fill a vacancy shall be administered the relevant oath or affirmation of office in the Assembly Chamber, immediately after prayers, by the Presiding Officer or the Deputy Presiding Officer. Where the person is elected to the office of Presiding Officer, the relevant oath or affirmation of office shall be administered by the Deputy Presiding Officer.

(4) No member shall assume the duties of his office until he is administered the relevant oath of office in accordance with Section 13 of the Tobago House of Assembly Act, 1996.