Budgets viewed as a kind of circus

Mar 04, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
Parliament has just signed yet once more another budget into action after the customary marathon debate, the 2011 and largest budget ever – $161 billion. Presentations galore across the floor: “Mr. Speaker”, “Mr. Speaker”, uttered ad infinitum from one “Honorable Member” to another. I do believe that the word honorable doth, loses somewhat its full value during these debates.
I have mentioned before that I have come to view budgets as a kind of circus (meaningless indulgence; hallow parliamentary formality which appears to be cast in stone, since nothing, no input from the opposition, no matter how sound, how valuable, how logical, is ever taken into consideration or acknowledged, unless it is in favour/support, not one iota whatsoever. The budget is presented as perfect and flawless, made to our true measurement, hence the absurdity in disagreeing.
But the Finance Minister singling out of AFC leader Raphael Trotman as the solitary voice that transcend cheap politics as being magnanimous in his presentation by recognising the positives of the Government and giving credit where credit is due was also arresting and interesting. He regrets that other opposition members are not so inclined to follow his example of mature politics above petty ramblings.
And so I thought to myself: what if this magnanimous, open mindedness as displayed by Mr. Trotman could be reciprocated by the Governmen Ministers and the Finance Minister in particular, as not to see himself/budget as infallible; to equally accede/concede to valid points, criticism, flaws, errors or weakness therein.
Surely this would have a stimulating, healthy effect, make the debate much more substantial and meaningful and less domineering and bigoted but, indeed honorable. Dr. Ashni Singh should not scold other members of the opposition for being narrow minded in debating the budget while himself and colleagues behave no better. The magnanimous gesture that Mr. Trotman was applauded for was good but would mean nothing if it is not reciprocated when deserving.
Frank Fyffe

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