Some years ago a certain national newspaper likened the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and People’s National Party (PNP) parliamentarians to gangs. They were dubbed the gangs of Gordon House. Recent occurrences in that so-called honourable House have helped to solidify this designation, which is fast moving from perception to reality — and it is a frightening scenario.

Indeed, one wonders if at some time in the near future the nation may not see the eruption of physical altercations as the verbal clashes have become more and more virulent. Wednesday’s stormy sitting during National Security and Peace Minister Dr Horace Chang’s presentation with respect to the controversial decision by the Government to enter into an agreement with the Donald Trump Administration to accept third-country nationals saw Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness vociferously accusing Westmoreland Eastern Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Dayton Campbell of being a bully.

Juliet Holness

Exchanges during that stormy session got so heated and uncontrollable that House Speaker Juliet Holness had to suspend the sitting for five minutes — a wise decision as members on both sides of the House champed at the bit as all hell broke loose. Deputy Leader of Opposition Business in the House Natalie Neita-Garvey is to be commended for her timely and reasoned interventions, delivered in a calm and professional manner, which helped to guide the House Speaker along a less confrontational path.

There are those who have been arguing that in a male-dominated House such as ours, the Speaker, being a woman, is at a distinct disadvantage. In this vein, her situation becomes even more volatile as she is the wife of the prime minister — the big elephant in the room which will not go away.

Speaker Holness continues to try desperately to do her job, relying forcefully, and sometimes fiercely, on the Standing Orders. When all is said and done, she must be congratulated for her consistency in this regard, although at times a more discretionary approach could help to diffuse the tension that persistently exists between her and the Opposition members, especially the freshly minted ones, who continue to go on the defensive based on her many rulings with which they may not find favour. It is safe to say that while she remains in this post, she will continue to be a lightning rod, and the time may well come when, in the nation’s interest, it may prove wise and prudent for Prime Minister Holness to revisit this controversial decision.

Horace Chang (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

The sad truth is that Gordon House is fast becoming a war zone where people with bloated egos and questionable agendas persist in acting disgracefully, thereby bringing the House into disrepute. Have these parliamentarians stopped to think of the examples they are setting for the wider society, especially the youth, not to mention the unlettered, unread, and rabid partisan followers who grab at the “red meat” being hurled and use social media to produce vicious posts replete with character assassination, misinformation, as well as disinformation?

However, all is not lost. On the PNP’s side, a number of its newly elected MPs have made some constructive and worthwhile contributions during the sectoral debate. And, in terms of decorum and statesmanship, Dr Chang, by his demeanour and performance during his various presentations and interventions, has displayed the qualities of a mature and responsible lawmaker — measured and unruffled. Opposition Leader Mark Golding continues to be the consummate legislator. If only some of the young Turks on his side of the aisle could learn from his style of presentation, usually well researched, reasoned, and replete with legislative clout. Indeed, it can be argued that he is the consummate legislator.

Natalie Neita-Garvey (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

One is not positing that Parliament should be akin to a Sunday school, but it is reasonable to ask our lawmakers to be exemplary in their behaviour while taking care of the people’s business. Notwithstanding the country’s many advances in the various fields which we continue to brag about, the harsh truth is that we have become a very coarse, undisciplined, intolerant, and uncaring society. Just look at what has been happening in our school system! Students, from all indications, have been mirroring the behaviour of their adult counterparts, including our parliamentarians.

The bottom line is that our leaders need to lead by example because, as it has been wisely said, if the head of the stream is corrupt and rotten, what can one expect downstream? Both Holness and Golding need to rein in their recalcitrant, grandstanding colleagues and remind them of the tremendous responsibility they have as national influencers.

The national dialogue must be about tolerance rather than intolerance, assertiveness rather than aggression, and principles/patriotism rather than blind partisanship. The growing increase in domestic violence and the breakdown of discipline in our schools, which are now mirroring what the Jamaican society treats as normal behaviour, must provide all well-thinking citizens with the resolve to become agents of change for the better.

As such, the gangs of Gordon House must “cry cree”. It is already “sipple out deh”. Our parliamentarians must “draw breaks” and stem this precipitous slide that is taking place at 81 Duke Street. Enough said!

Lloyd B Smith has been involved full-time in Jamaican media for the past 50 years. He has also served as a People’s National Party Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. He hails from western Jamaica where he is popularly known as the Governor. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or lbsmith4@gmail.com.