Lift Level of Parliamentary Debate

The 2019 Budget Debate wrapped up last night with the expected approval of the budgetary proposals. Even as we sit back and assess the content of those proposals and their implications for the lives of our citizens, one cannot help but reflect on the degree to which the debate among our Parliamentarians aided in deepening the understanding of our people about our prospects for development and how the 2019 Budget either advances or retards this process.

In our humble view it is critical that we get our parliamentary representatives to understand and acknowledge that the proceedings in the House of Assembly are not just for advancing political interests, whether personal or politically partisan, but for dealing with the business of the people of this country. This seems to be lost on those elected or nominated to serve the interests of the Vincentian people.

It is true that the adversarial nature of our political system easily facilitates political partisanship. In the past this has been taken to extremes and there have been some quite unsavoury exchanges in our Parliament. While in recent times there have been signs of improvement, these can largely be attributed to the role of Speaker Jomo Thomas who has attempted to discharge his duties without fear or favour. He has demonstrated his willingness to rein in those who neglect to show respect for House and people.

In this debate however, there have been exhibitions of the worst of the past, so much so that the Speaker was forced to note that the debate has descended to an “unbecoming level” and to urge Parliamentarians to “show respect for the People’s House” and to “conduct themselves in keeping with the rules of the House”.

We endorse these comments wholeheartedly and applaud the Speaker for his courage and forthrightness in confronting the aberrants in the House. Our Parliament is not there to advance the selfish interests of politicians nor to serve their egos. Too many times the debate on what should be the business of the people is hijacked by politicians trying to prove who is “right” and who is “wrong” and to denigrate opponents. We must put an end to this and we strongly support the Speaker when he made the point that we must not point to worst examples in the world but to strive continuously to lift ourselves up and to be a positive example.

In the context of all of this, the Budget itself becomes a casualty, taking second place to the perceived scoring of political points. It becomes either the case of a “great Budget” on one hand, or “insulting to the people” on the other. But how does the 2019 Budget, as a whole, not just nit-picking on this or that aspect, address the developmental needs of our country and its people?
Our House of Assembly has a far greater responsibility than is exhibited by too many of its members. Each Debate must educate, provide insights and alternative visions. It is more than high time that we lift the level of debate, behaviour and performance!