Dear Editor,
I watch the news often but was shocked and flabbergasted when I saw the recent behaviour of Minister Raphael Trotman in Parliament. In that debate Mr Trotman’s behaviour towards former President Bharrat Jagdeo was very disrespectful. His tone of voice and his arrogance left much to be desired. He behaved as if his coalition government would rule forever, and he was some sort of god holding power forever.
Though Mr Trotman was ranting and raving, the Speaker of the House failed in his duty to stop him or caution him to tone down his voice. It tells me clearly that we have no discipline in Parliament which sets a bad example to the citizens of this nation. How can he say he will not listen to Mr Jagdeo, but he will listen to others? He failed to realize that Mr Jagdeo was Guyana’s President for 12 years, and even President Granger acknowledged that.
In Parliament they refer to each other as ‘honourable member’, but I believe our erudite attorney-at-law Mr Trotman failed to comprehend the meaning of the word ‘honourable’ in view of his behaviour. I believe he needs to apologize to Mr Jagdeo and the House.
I am no member of any political party but I also believe APNU stands for A Partnership of National Unity, so what kind of national unity is Minister Trotman portraying to the Guyanese public? Our motto is One People, One Nation, One Destiny but I see racism and cronyism daily in this sad nation of ours. It is my firm belief that Parliament needs to have a code of ethical conduct, because too many of our parliamentarians display behaviour more suited to the fish market than parliament or public office. I believe President Granger should discipline the errant members of his coalition government or even dismiss and replace them before it’s too late.
Some of them believe they are above the law, and that some are more important than others. Our rich ministers in government can travel as far as Ireland for medical treatment while our poor citizens have to contend with the public hospitals. Real leadership is putting this nation before our own needs. Instead of being guided by greed and personal gain we must lead in truth, integrity and righteousness. I believe this nation has fallen morally, spiritually and academically, and it’s about time that people like Mr Trotman humble themselves because life is about sowing and reaping.
Yours faithfully,
Rev Gideon Cecil
