UPP PRO Senator Jonathan Wehner has criticized Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin over remarks made in Parliament about absent opposition members.

Speaking on Observer Radio on Friday, Wehner described the comments as lacking empathy and humanity.

The controversy followed Monday’s sitting of the House of Representatives.

During the debate, Benjamin questioned the absence of Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle and Barbuda MP Trevor Walker.

Benjamin also mocked the empty opposition benches while government MPs laughed during the exchange.

However, Wehner argued that Parliament’s standing orders allow members to miss sittings with valid excuses.

He explained that members cannot miss three sittings in a row without explanation.

According to Wehner, both Pringle and Walker followed the proper parliamentary process.

He said both men submitted letters to the Speaker explaining their absences.

Additionally, the Speaker reportedly read those explanations aloud before Benjamin made his comments.

Wehner also noted that Monday’s sitting mainly involved oath-taking procedures for parliamentarians.

Furthermore, he explained that lawmakers can take the oath at any sitting.

According to Wehner, Walker missed the sitting because of a family emergency.

Meanwhile, Pringle reportedly travelled overseas with his young daughter for medical treatment.

Wehner said Pringle’s daughter had been dealing with health issues for some time.

He also argued that Pringle disclosed more personal information than expected from a public official.

Moreover, Wehner strongly criticized the reaction from government MPs.

He said the laughter and comments crossed the line.

Wehner described the remarks as “inhumane, distasteful, disgraceful, and totally unempathetic.”

He also questioned whether it was unreasonable for a father to support his sick child overseas.

Additionally, Wehner linked the exchange to wider concerns about political behavior in Antigua and Barbuda.

He argued that political leaders should avoid involving children and family matters in partisan attacks.

Furthermore, he said political discourse in the country needs improvement.

Wehner also referenced Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his recent calls for national unity after the April 30 general election.

Finally, Wehner called for Benjamin to issue a public apology in Parliament.