I propose for consideration that Parliament Day replaces Republic Day or coincides with it. Indeed, the word "republic," a Latin word, means "thing of the people" or "the people's business." By definition, then, Republic Day should be a day for the people's inspection of government to ensure that it is really about the people's business. For Parliament Day, accommodation for the public will be increased some tenfold. Representatives will come not from political parties but from public servants, trade unions, the unemployed, teachers, econo-mists, entertainers, women's associations, business etc.
Parliament's agenda will deal with crucial issues. The audience will not debate but may make comments through available microphones. We may hear comments like: We didn't send you here for bacchanal and fight but to work together to find ways to make our lives better.
Election done, war finish, time to show us how to be one nation. How could the Prime Minister alone do that? People in Cabinet agree with that nonsense? We still going to Privy Council? We not independent yet? Corruption still going on, we can't control that yet? Parliamentary decorum will not apply to them and the Speaker will very liberally manage that audience. The clerks of Parliament will record their contributions, which will go towards the formulation of a code of conduct for parliamentary meetings and an agenda of activity for the year. We are a republic on the people's business.
Van Stewart
Diego Martin