PUBLIC TRUST IN MPs HAS DIMINISHED

Mar 03, 2016 Editorial, Features / Columnists

On Friday January 29, last, Finance Minister Winston Jordan presented the Budgetary Proposals to the nation in Parliament under the theme “Stimulating Growth, Restoring Confidence: The Good Life Beckons.”
His speech was an insightful analysis of the current state of the country’s staggering economy inherited from the former administration. It was the largest budget ever presented in the history of Guyana, a whopping $230 billion for fiscal year 2016.
Devoid of the highfalutin jargon that often characterizes discussion on the budget, Minister Jordan is convinced that the budget 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.
The Minister 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 continuesto place a severe strain on the country and adversely affecting its development prospects.
Despite the fact that budget debates are known for disagreements between the government and the opposition, Jordan’s speech was not in the partisan language of the typical politician, but as a serious statesman befitting of his status as the Minister of Finance of the Coalition government.
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 irresponsibility, 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. They 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 debates have led to the dissatisfaction among many Guyanese, especially young people.
Instead of taking the criticisms in stride and zero in on the underlying reasons for them, and resolve to make a genuine effort to improve their performance,MPs on both sides of the House have contemptuously dismissed the 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. Their only task is to chart a way forward for it to grow. But sadly, some do not have any pride or respect for the august House. Their behaviour continues to leave a bitter taste in the mouths of the citizens, especially students.
Not only have 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 decently and to respect Parliament at all times since they need to set an example for youths.
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 is offensive and would definitely impede efforts to rebuild the trust and respect which Guyanese traditionally had for them.

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