MPs, stop the ‘cuss and walk out’ game
Dear Editor,
The members of the Jamaican Parliament have set an unfortunate trend with walking out of sessions. I am incredulous that these esteemed men and women have to be asked to sit, conduct themselves orderly, do the nation’s work, then leave.
The reality is, with only one day per week to meet, discuss, and pass Bills needed for national development, there isn’t any time for pettiness and careless banter.
Too often an MP decides to be disorderly and, because of this conduct, everyone else throws their papers in the air and leaves. It is as though they come with the intention to be disorderly, hoping that they will be able to go home early.
The “us against them” game needs to end. The pussyfooting around the issues and leaving the country to ruin must end.
Within any private sector business, when there are differences, they have to be resolved in a timely manner so that production is not impacted. In no real organisation can a member of staff shout in a meeting, have the meeting derailed, and expect there to be no repercussion.
These men and women are to be held accountable for disrupting the nation’s business. The Jamaican Parliament must have a strong disciplinary structure for these loose cannons. Each person is entitled to their right of opinion, but with this right comes the responsibility to be mindful of others and the goal of the forum.
With Parliament meeting only once per week, can we really afford to throw away this day because people can’t conduct themselves properly?
I would prefer you go outside Gordon House with your “We Want Justice” placard instead of defiling the honourable House with the cackling and unproductive behaviour.
Timothy Cawley
cawley.timothy@gmail.com