Fay Ann’s ‘Get On’ blares in the Senate

Independent senator Stephen Creese had to temporarily leave the Parliament Chamber during yesterday’s Budget debate after his cellphone rang out to the tune of Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez’ Get On.

Senators chuckled at Creese’s dilemma, which occured during Trade Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon’s contribution.

A clearly embarassed Creese fumbled with the cellphone for several seconds, trying to turn off the device.

Senate vice-president Nigel De Freitas then advised the independent senator to leave the Chamber. De Freitas later urged senators to pay particular attention to their cellphones, saying they should either silence or turn off their cellphones during sittings.

In issuing the warning, De Freitas supported the view of Senate President Christine Kangaloo, who, at the start of yesterday’s Budget debate, also urged

senators to be mindful of the distractions caused by cellphones during sittings.

A smiling Creese returned to the Chamber shortly before it suspended for lunch.