Quality is not assessed in terms of numbers – PM

The Opposition’s new members in Parliament are pulling it down rather than lifting it, says Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves.{{more}}

Gonsalves expressed this view at a Unity Labour Party (ULP) rally held at Barrouallie on Sunday, March 6.

“Let me tell you this, the addition of Nature (Nigel) Stephenson, the addition of Patel (Roland) Matthews, of Senators (Anesia) Baptiste and (Vynnette) Frederick, rather than lifting the Opposition, they pull it down,” said Gonsalves.

Gonsalves said quality is not assessed in terms of numbers, noting that this is done by performance.

“Patel decide that since he is at war with the English language, he ain’t going talk it properly. He decide that he going talk dialect. He decide he going talk like he inside ah he shop down Petit Bordel, but that’s okay. That is okay. So when he talking he broken English and so on, you say ‘well Patel decide that he ain’t getting involved in any war with the English language.’

“But Nature, he believes that he could speak the English Language and his two speeches thus far in the House he has been fighting the English Language,” said Gonsalves.

The Political Leader of the ULP added: “I must say, the English language has had to surrender, defeated. The man defeat the English language.

The man used some words not known to the dictionary.”

Gonsalves said he believes that the next time Stephenson uses words that don’t exist in the House of Assembly, he, Gonsalves, would have to ask the Speaker on a point of order to explain that in the House the Standing Order states that the English Language must be used.

“Because you can’t use words that don’t exist in the English Language. He mek them up as he go along.The people of South Leeward are so ashamed at what has happened there,” said Gonsalves, to loud laughter from the crowd.

Gonsalves said he was not trying to pull down anyone, but was only stating facts.