I write this note with a very heavy concerned heart as to what was recently dished out to the population of our beloved republic by the Government.To hold Parliament of the Lower House for about 16 hours just to pass the Constitution (Amendment) Bill 2014 and then prorogue it till next month is disrespectful to the citizenry.
Whilst I appreciate leadership calls for strong, resolute and focused behaviour, I believe what was done is not sound leadership. Why was this done? To demonstrate that one meets their manifesto promises? Surely this could have be done in the next parliamentary term?There was and still is a lot of public outcry on the proposed amendments mainly on the aspect of runoff and maybe recall to a lesser extent.
Surely in tinkering with our Constitution, wise and prudent leadership would demonstrate the ability to listen and move cautiously.Was it because the current Government had to recently defer the pension proposals for retired judges and parliamentarians that they could not defer another issue so quickly? There was a cry for this within the Cabinet, but removing collective responsibility was the response!
In my mind a deferral to allow greater debate amongst the citizenry would have demonstrated even stronger and astute, caring leadership. Great leaders today show the ability to listen and not be overcome by self-achievement. As the gurus say, "servant-style leadership"!The other aspect of disrespect was to then ask parliamentarians to debate issues that affect our country in a period of 16 hours at one sitting.
I ask that whilst our parliamentarians believe they are superpeople, I think they cannot function effectively at such a long sitting. Even our current President in his maiden speech commented on Parliament sitting for long hours.It is my opinion that whilst the parliamentarians may consider themselves super, I cannot see how one can sit for so long and be effective and clear-thinking especially when dealing with constitutional matters. I think it borders on irresponsibility.
By the way, I looked at the faces and body language of speakers up to midnight and they all showed signs of fatigue! Do we want tired parliamentarians deciding our future? Is that responsible behaviour?
We now move to the Upper House and I think if they sit at another session that will go beyond eight hours, it shows the country that important matters which affect our Constitution are not important and can be dealt with in a long session. I think it will demonstrate contempt to the citizenry.
I am mindful that one of the Independent senators who is now physically challenged due to a medical mishap will be asked to sit through a marathon session.Is that going to be fair on that senator, bearing in mind that the votes of the Independent senators are extremely crucial?
Let us also take cognisance as well of the two COP senators!
RP Young
Westmoorings