Robust debate on national affairs a plus for Barbados

Opposition in any form is always healthy. Analysis is constructive. Probing, prying, prodding and other such activity helps to fuel democracy and maintain accountability.

Our country has been fortunate to have benefitted from great leadership with both the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) and the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) at the helm. Our rich history and varied political accomplishments can be credited to the fact that both parties have done exceedingly well, holding each other’s feet to the fire.

An entity which formulates policy and then implements it cannot provide an objective scorecard on its own performance. Thankfully, this has been the case in Barbados’ political landscape dominated by two parties. And for that we, the citizenry, are grateful since the business of our country is conducted using hard-earned taxpayers’ money. We must have a vested interest.

Back in the day, the Budget Speech followed by the Budget Reply were two of the most eagerly anticipated days on the political calendar. There was excitement and rivalry in the Parliament yard that spilled into the House of Assembly. Parliament historically has been a battlefield of sorts. Debates were heated. Exchanges were robust. Tempers flared and parliamentarians even boycotted and walked out of the hallowed chambers.

In 2007, then Opposition Leader David Thompson led a DLP boycott of Parliament, citing disrespect. He and the Dems then mounted a platform in Heroes Square dubbed the People’s Parliament and spoke on a myriad of issues, including the ‘Hardwood Housing’ scandal.

Two years later, the BLP staged its own action. In 2009, the then Opposition Leader Mia Mottley led her parliamentary colleagues out of the House of Assembly. According to her, the walkout was triggered by a “breach of trust”. The party’s issue was over the allotted time given for former Prime Minister Owen Arthur to make his contribution.

Both Thompson and Mottley, after fearlessly leading opposition parties, went on to become prime ministers in our fair land.

Only this week, in Jamaica, Opposition Leader Mark Golding’s Budget contribution was aborted after government members of parliament, led by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, walked out of the Chamber, forcing a premature end to the sitting as there was no quorum – 16 members and the Speaker.

This is what democracy looks like. This is the excitement it brings. This is the spotlight it puts on national issues. This is how the public is informed about the affairs of the country. This is how the government of the day is held accountable. This is how opposition parties demonstrate that they should be considered by the people for high office.

For a while now, due to the 30-0 victories by the BLP, we have had Budget debates with Parliamentarians mostly speaking in one accord and from one hymn sheet.

Enter Mr Ralph Thorne to shake things up, challenging his former colleagues on the government side to give account of their stewardship on key issues including the Home Ownership Providing Energy (HOPE) housing project; frequent travel by the PM; the White Oak deal; and the allocation of funds to respective ministries, particularly the $188 million going to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Equally, the government MPs took on the DLP political leader who now has some questions to answer from the final night of debate on Wednesday, particularly those that arose during the presentation of Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw.

Make no mistake about it, the country has been watching. On social media, the creative memes, posts generated by ordinary citizens, video clips and the like have generated healthy and heated debate about the issues raised in the hallowed Lower Chamber of Parliament.

Public interest is high and this can only augur well for public engagement on critical matters that concern us all. Transparent, robust debate on national affairs is key to keeping our democracy alive and well. Barbados is better for it.