Not in the nation’s best interest

Feb 19, 2016 Editorial, Features / Columnists

Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s budget presentation was an insightful analysis of the current state of the country’s struggling economy inherited from the former administration.
Devoid of the highfalutin jargon that often characterizes discussion on the budget, the Minister is convinced that the financial plan will place Guyana firmly on a path of sustainable economic growth and provide a good life for all. His presentation was simple and could have been understood by any layperson seeking to gain a better understanding of the policies of the Government and the challenges it faces.
He addressed a number of major issues including the achievement of financial stability, a decent standard of living for all, and the urgent need to reduce the public debt that continues to place a severe strain on the country and is adversely affecting its development prospects.
Despite the fact that budget debates are known for disagreements between the government and the opposition, his speech was not in the partisan language of the typical politician, but as a serious statesman genuinely concerned about the direction that the country is heading.
Known for its rancorous debate in Parliament, the opposition was adamant that the Minister failed to deliver on several of the important promises made by the government to the people during the election campaign. Opposition MPs drew a line in the sand to send a clear message to the Minister, and indeed the entire Government, that the government is irresponsible, and would not accept the mismanagement of the country’s financial affairs.There were loud noises from government MPs as the opposition branded the Minister of Finance as being incompetent and accused him of betraying the trust of the people.
However, given the litany of complaints against some MPs, it is reasonable to conclude that such acrimonious debate has led to even greater dissatisfaction among many Guyanese. Instead of taking the criticisms in stride, zeroing in on the underlying reasons for them, and resolving to make a genuine effort to improve their performances, MPs on both sides of the House have contemptuously dismissed even constructive criticisms as nonsensical and doom and gloom.
Such hostile reactions did not address the fact that the people have lost confidence in politicians and increasingly see them as selfish and greedy. Some MPs can be quite profuse and brutal in attacking their opponents, but become incredibly touchy when they find themselves at the receiving end.
Most people view MPs as the authors of the country’s future whose only task is to chart a way forward. But sadly, they do not have any pride or respect for the august House since their behaviour continues to leave a bitter taste in the mouth. Such unrefined behaviour is unbecoming of MPs. Not only has their behaviour caused many to be disappointed, but they have also failed to set the right tone as leaders. Parliamentarians have a duty to behave decorously and to respect Parliament at all times since they need to set an example for the populace.
The wider public is peeved at the dismal performance of the MPs they elect, especially if they also happen to be ministers. What is even more annoying is that their performance in terms of finding solutions to problems often pales in comparison with the generous remuneration they receive.
At this critical juncture of the nation’s history where sacrifice by everyone is required, MPs, especially those from the opposition, should lead by example. Walking out of Parliament, for example, definitely impedes efforts to rebuild any trust or respect which Guyanese would have had for them. Their self-serving attitudes are not in the nation’s best interest.

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Not in the nation’s best interest

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