HIGHLY INAPPROPRIATE

Dec 13, 2016 Editorial, Features / Columnists

The debate on the national budget ended last Friday, eleven days after it was presented to the National Assembly by Finance Minister Winston Jordan under the theme “Building a Diversified, Green Economy: Delivering the Good Life to All.” It was an insightful analysis of the current state of the country’s ailing economy inherited from the former government.
Missing from the Minister’s speech was the highfalutin language that often characterizes the presentation of many budgets. However, Mr. Jordan is convinced that the budget will place Guyana firmly on a path of economic growth, sustainable and human development and provide a good life for all. His presentation was simple and could have been understood by any layperson seeking a better understanding of the policies of the Government, and the challenges and problems facing the country.
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 continues to place severe strain on the country and adversely affect 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, befitting of his status as the Minister of Finance.
Known for its rancorous debate in the National Assembly, the opposition claimed that the Minister failed to deliver on several of the promises the government made to the people. The budget was described as narrow, politically expedient, and the reckless management of the country’s finances.
Despite the opposition’s threats to tear the budget to pieces, and their objection to several taxes, including the 14 percent VAT on the usage of electricity and water above a certain limit, the government remained steadfast that the taxes would affect only a small portion of the population.
Throughout the debate, the opposition remained undaunted by accusations of dishonesty from government MPs, as they accused the Minister of Finance of gross incompetency, and of betraying the trust of the people.
Many have criticized the government for taxing water and electricity. But instead of taking the criticisms in stride and zeroing in on the underlying reasons for them, some government officials have contemptuously dismissed the criticisms as nonsensical. Such hostile reactions have led many to believe that some public officials have considered themselves to be above criticism. They are so hypersensitive that they view every criticism negatively and a personal attack against them, even when it is well-meaning.
MPs can be quite snobbish and brutal in attacking their opponents, but become incredibly sulky and irate when they find themselves at the receiving end. They have failed to chart a way forward for the country; as a result, they are viewed as the authors of the country’s bleak economic future, rampant crime, high unemployment, poor social services and worrying poverty.
Unfortunately, they have shown not to have any pride in the august House, since their behaviour continues to leave a bitter taste in the mouths of the citizens. Such behaviour is highly inappropriate for MPs, many of whom have lost the respect of the people. Their behaviour is obnoxious and they have disappointed a lot of their constituents. As MPs, they should conduct themselves decently and respect the House at all times.
A majority of the citizens are peeved at the dismal performance and arrogance of some MPs from both sides of the aisle. Their performance in terms of finding solutions to problems is woeful and they are not deserving of the generous remuneration they receive.
At this critical juncture of the nation’s history where sacrifice by everyone is required, MPs should lead by example. Walking out of Parliament by the opposition, for example, is self-serving and offensive, and those doing this would definitely lose the trust, confidence and respect of the people. Such behaviour is reprehensible and highly inappropriate.

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