Possible solutions to Parliament
Kaieteur News – We read some of what the Hon. The Speaker of the House shared with the MPs for whom he stands as referee, and gave the smallest approval nod. It’s representative of a small start, and this is better late than never at all. We will not spend or waste any energy in going over how the Speaker AWOL during the verbal parliamentary throw-down and kicking down on Monday last week. Instead, we’re looking for ways on how we can encourage the Speaker to fulfill his responsibilities, and make the parliament a more civilized place, and watching, listening and reading Guyanese moments is a more confidence-inducing experience.
The latest is that the Speaker sent a memo to members of the National Assembly, where he stated the specific words that are unacceptable. Most, if not all, of us would have serious trouble continuing a conversation or relationship in daily life, if any of those words are aimed at us and ramming at us. If that is the standard of the average man and woman on the street, then surely it cannot be less than that in the most promising place in this country, where the nation’s business is conducted. We think from this small start, the Speaker has to sit down, gather his team, conduct his research, and familiarize himself with the powers that make up his highly sensitive office. Hesitation is not an option.
It must develop a range of strategies and tactics on how to go about recognizing (at a very early stage) the warning signs of a brewing decline, and then move fearlessly, quickly, and decisively to close those vulnerable members. n cross the line, be such a problem, gesture, or language. The Speaker must not wait until the kicker falls apart, before he steps up to take control and do so authoritatively. It is absolutely vital that the Speaker is seen to be fair and balanced, and therefore consistent. He will not win many friends, but he will gain the respect he deserves, and be understood as not to be fooled by it, for the strong reactions that any cuts will provoke.
As we shall see, the Speaker is on the cusp of a dilemma: he must be open to allowing all senators to have his say, but even as he does so, they must all be held on a short, tight lease. and careful management. A steam-filled head, with the rhetorical swagger and flourish flowing, is acceptable, even somewhat to be appreciated and admired. But not when those fall short of what is unjustified, what should not be put before a children’s company, or any of the polling and taxing citizens, for that matter, who is in some way responsible for all members of the whole house are the National Assembly.
There are simple and easy measuring rods to determine what is excessive, what fails to meet the required minimum assembly. That is, if what is said or held out by angry or vengeful members is not appropriate for the little ones, or in a place of worship, or before elders, then it does not make the grade. It must be taken out and immediately. That is common sense that passes no test, and is no longer prudent.
To take home this point, we are bringing this to a personal level, as we try to help the Speaker and his team find a way forward. If what is developing, what gives all appearances of the troubled and potentially problematic cannot and will not be said in your own home, before your own children or parents ( even peers of a wholesome sort), then it is not good enough for Guyana’s parliamentary house. There is no need to visit what more complex documentation arrangements can or cannot offer regarding penalties and reprimands to hold things and people together and along a fixed line. It’s already there, and now it has to be brought with the courage and quality of a consistent character that doesn’t question.
The Speaker does not have to look far to find his base. As he leads and guides, so does the parliament. And so it must be resolved, come who can, no matter who is involved, not favor anyone who has failed.