The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

The heckling and shoutings, the uncontrolled roars of laughter, the constant interruptions poorly disguised as “points of order”, are all evidence of a precipitous decline in the quality of debate within our parliament over the years.

Unfortunately, reading speeches in today’s parliament seems to be the norm, rather than the exception because of the lack of preparation by some members of parliament. According to the norms and conventions of the westminster system, parliamentarians are expected to engage in fruitful and spontaneous debate, as opposed to reading speeches.

This aspect of the Westminster system has not changed. Members of parliament should speak from “their natural wrist”, as we often say in the Bahamian vernacular, with a degree of passion and conviction. Of course, they would have key points of their presentations. Truth be told, reading a speech requires minimal effort, and little if any preparation. Spontaneous debate requires a level of preparedness and commands the attention of the listener. This view was echoed by a noted attorney, a former Governor General, and scores of ordinary Bahamians who call the daily talk shows. So, I am not alone. Oh, yes, I am very much aware that there are exceptions to every rule.

I want to make it quite clear that I am not questioning the intelligence or competence of any member of parliament. There are some highly intelligent and articulate members on both sides of the political divide who are more than capable of engaging in the “cut and thrust “ of parliamentary debate, but they are the exceptions - no names. The vast majority of members, however, choose the easy way out and read from a prepared text - with due respect.

Additionally, members use debating time to hurl thinly veiled accusations and allegations back and forth. Opposition members use it mostly to get issues off their chest, believing, whether rightly of wrongly, that the speaker’s criticisms and reprimand are oftentimes directed more towards them than towards members of the governing party. Government members pump their fists and pound their chest while gloating about their achievements, and seem to take a delight in high-lighting the short comings of their predecessors who were in office before them. Both sides are guilty.

The dismissive attitude, the air of superiority and the level of hostility on the part of some members are unmistakable. Civility and cordiality, which are not signs of weakness, seem to be in short supply. We, the members of the public, expect our elected representatives to engage in frank, substantive, and spontaneous debate. So, inject a healthy dose of humility, mutual respect, and restraint into the body politic. Uplift the standard whilst doing the people’s business.The Bahamian people deserve better. And no, this letter is not about lecturing or pontificating on my part, but rather about the essence of truth, which always hurts.

ZEPHANIAH BURROWS

Nassau,

October 10, 2023.