A new approach is needed

Oct 01, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

I continue to follow developments in my dear land Guyana and seek just a small space in your newspaper to air a grievance that has been irking me for some time as the political silly season heats up.
For most, if not all of the period since the December no confidence vote, Opposition Members of Parliament have not been attending any sittings of the Parliament nor have they any plans to do so.
But what disturbs me most, is the fact that these very MPs are shamelessly still collecting their parliamentary salaries and allowances despite not attending any sessions, not representing the people who elected them.
Researching the situation before penning this letter, I came across a point made by trade union Mr. Lincoln Lewis. He argued on May Day that workers who take strike action are not paid when they do so why should MP’s be allowed to still draw down on their salaries and allowances? I wish to state that I totally agree with him.
I also read that Mr. Jagdeo says he has no qualms whatsoever in collecting his emoluments despite the fact that he has not attended, any session, or plans to do so before the House is dissolved perhaps later this year.
I am advised that the MPs are in their rights to still collect salaries while boycotting sessions. They are covered by House statutes. To me, this provides yet another opportunity for policy makers to revisit laws concerning parliamentary attendance and conduct, regarding representation offered to electors.
I also think I remember calls by the PPP when it was in government for PNC lawmakers not to be paid during periods when they had boycotted sittings so I am quite surprised now that they are unscrupulously collecting same.
Going forward, I pray dearly that something is done about this in a non-partisan manner, meaning that new rules would have to be obeyed by all sides as each takes similar action whenever they are in opposition. The time for such approaches has expired. A new one is needed.

Milton Saunders
Richmond Virginia

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