The 42nd sitting of the 4th session of the 11th Parliament gets underway today.
After a short break, which saw most parliamentarians return to debate and successfully pass the crucial Bail Amendment Bill 2018, all eyes will be on the lawmakers to see what issues are dealt with, and more importantly the impact it will have on our lives.
Both houses of Parliament have become renowned grounds for banter, picong and at times raucous behaviour. But, age 57, this country stands at a juncture which warrants level-headedness, cooperation and putting country before politics.
The 2018/2019 Budget is scheduled to be read in parliament in the coming weeks. This budget is of importance since it could be the last one before two elections are held—local and general. It is also of significance since citizens are keen to get some answers about the true state of the economy.
We have heard from Minister of Finance Colm Imbert and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley that the economy had been improving. In fact, Mr Imbert quoted the lyrics to a song made famous by Jimmy Cliff back In May 2018, “I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,” signalling the end to this country’s economic darkness. During this year’s mid-year budget review, the encouraging signs continued, as Mr Imbert announced increased expenditure because of increased revenue.
Yet news of the possible dismissal of 285 workers from Unilever and 33 from a subsidiary of Agostini Ltd is cause for concern that the minister must address in the budget in Parliament.
Another matter of interest which ought to be discussed in the House is crime.
Although the harmony demonstrated by the Government and Opposition which saw the passage of the Bail Amendment Bill is highly commendable, the war on crime must continue and requires both the involvement of those in power and those on the waiting bench.
As the country awaits details of the Prime Minister and his government’s national crime plan, citizens can ill-afford to become witnesses to members of Parliament politicking in the esteemed house, while their lives are at the mercy of the criminal elements.
However, the national budget and crime are not the only matters on the minds of citizens.
Bad roads, inadequate drainage, poor lighting and a lack of water are still plaguing some communities. These issues, when raised by MPs, are often shot down and dismissed in the House of Representatives for being brought under “wrong standing order.”
The Parliament must be a place of action, where all the concerns of the citizenry should be a given voice and more so an audience.
The Parliament must be a place of exemplary conduct by distinguished representatives who work hand in hand to ensure words turn into action and that the nation moves forward.