he Justice and Peace Commission (JPC) of the Roman Catholic Diocese has criticised the conduct of the National Assembly during the consideration of two financial papers last month, while saying the ensuing five-week adjournment is disrespectful to the nation.
“The JPC considers the conduct of that sitting of Parliament detrimental to the functioning of effective governance and accountability in the affairs our country and can undermine the national dream of a democratic society coming of the 10th Parliament,” it said in a press statement released on Wednesday.
On February 16, the two financial papers presented by Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, for appropriations totalling approximately $5.7 billion, were considered by the National Assembly in Committee of Supply, but portions were rejected by the combined APNU and AFC. The opposition cited the lack of supporting documentation and the need for greater transparency.
In its statement, JPC said the opposition, through its comportment, confirmed its determination to introduce a modus operandi in the way that parliament business – particularly those of a financial nature – is conducted.
It noted the “combative, at times visceral, nature of the deliberations contrary to the norms of parliamentary conduct while recognizing that the Speaker of the House is duty bound to take a firm stance on discipline and due process in parliamentary affairs.” Speaker Raphael Trotman was absent from the sitting, which the JPC said was without due explanation. Trotman was overseas at the time.
Further, the JPC pointed to the “anger laced press conference” by the Finance Minister after the sitting, “and its uncontrolled aspects unbecoming of a minister of the government.”
It also noted the five-week adjournment requested by, and granted to, the government for renewed discussions on the financial papers without any objection by the opposition, which it said delays other urgent business of Parliament.
“This is disrespectful to the nation,” the JPC said, later adding that it is expected that the 10th Parliament “will meet consistently with shorter adjournments to conduct with decorum and civility the legislative business of the people.”
According to JPC, the historic results of the November 28, 2011 elections “have restored optimism” in many that the parliamentary democracy can be further strengthened. It, however, added that it was not until 88 days after the elections that “real serious business” of the people began with the deliberations on the financial papers.
The JPC added that it will be carefully monitoring all matters of governance and parliamentary affairs and where necessary it will comment to further the growth of a better country.
It also said: “As the nation yearns for less of political masters, and more of human servants/service, the words of Our Saviour in the Gospel of Mark 9:35 are of particular relevance and resonance: ‘Whoever wants to be first must place himself last of all and servant of all.’”
