The happenings in the House of Representatives usually garner increased viewership during election season and budget presentations.

There was great anticipation surrounding this year’s budget presentations for a number of reasons, such as the fact that it was a post-COVID-19 budget; the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine; and the economic hardship being faced by most Jamaicans.

Interest was piqued when Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke opened the debate and announced a record $1-trillion budget. He said the country’s economic situation had gone back to pre-COVID-19 levels. Despite that, he said he still had to grapple with the public sector compensation reform, which caused some uproar among many civil service groups, including the nation’s teachers and more recently dental assistants. To date, up to 95 per cent of bodies have agreed to new wage offers, according to the finance ministry.

Another interesting element about this year’s debate is that two opinion polls were released during the period. The internal Don-Anderson poll commissioned by the People’s National Party (PNP) saw the party sending its clearest signal that time come to defeat the Andrew Holness-led Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and aspects of Nationwide News Network’s Bluedot poll revealed that more Jamaicans distrust the JLP. In the party’s defence, Information Minister Robert Nesta Morgan said that the Government ought to do more to highlight all the good they have been doing. Has the Government’s public relations machinery broken down?

The Government delivered good presentations, and there was not much for the Opposition to counter. That is not to say the Opposition did not do a fair job. It just goes to show that both sects believe in advancing the country, but one, in my opinion, seems more competent to maintain fiscal prudence at this point in our journey. Prime Minister Andrew Holness knew he had a lot of catching up to do in his presentation despite the technical issue with his microphone and the length of his delivery.

What is unsettling in all of this, however, is the level of gimmickry and theatrics that were displayed in the political discourse over these past weeks. The honourable House has seemingly become the House of “Parliatrics” as for far too long our political leaders have demonstrated childish tit for tats while the country burns.

New taxes or no new taxes? The finance minister insists that there has been no new tax for six consecutive years. However, the Opposition supporters have rejected this claim. In response, the minister brought a reel of paper to depict the taxes levelled by the PNP while they were in power for 18 consecutive years. But was this necessary? Aren’t we supposed to be thinking of reducing our use of paper? Aren’t there more pressing matters, such as the seniors who were evicted from a home and put on the streets?

We talk about the hope of seeing increased productivity within the public sector due to the wage increase. Will we also see improvement in politicians’ behaviour? Is this the kind of demeanour that they will be taking into the new parliament building that taxpayers’ money will fund?

Certainly, there is a place for political bantering, but how far should it go? And the debate is always that one side made slurs and did not apologise, whether recently or decades ago; therefore, why should the other side be penalised when they do likewise? Is this a primary school where children play “last lick”?

Tuesday’s execrable outbursts in Parliament were disappointing. Dr Clarke’s use of the word “massa” was inappropriate, though my analysis of his discourse does not reach the level of racism as some are saying. Dr Angela Brown-Burke’s “Shut your mouth!” response to the controversial Everald Warmington was rather strong and repugnant. Should they both withdraw their statements? Then again, what is deemed “unparliamentary language”?

Politicians ought to be mindful of their language both inside and outside of Gordon House. We have already reached a certain level of maturity in our political independence, but there is certainly room for improvement.

Similarly, the electorate must hold itself to the same high moral standard to which they hold politicians and stop the fake outrage. Every day on Twitter and other social media platforms people demean each other and make racist remarks against those who share opposing political views. What is appalling is that most of these people are so-called intellectuals who work as lawyers, educators, economists, and political commentators.

We advocate for civics to return to the classroom, but our adults equally need to learn how to show basic respect for each other.

maddenoniel@yahoo.com