Unleash the power of parliamentary committees

For too long, the Standing Committees of Parliament have operated in a limited, often ad hoc manner, primarily focused on scrutinising the government’s annual estimates and a few high-profile legislative initiatives.

Surely, it is time to fully embrace the potential of these vital institutions, expanding their remit to delve into a wide array of issues that shape the fabric of our society.

The parliamentary committee system is a cornerstone of the Westminster tradition, a legacy inherited from our British colonial past that is too often reviled by politicians who are reluctant to yield to its rigours and strictures. Beyond the opposition-centred Public Accounts Committee — an important institution that is too often cast in the light of witchhunter rather than watchdog — standing committees can serve as powerful tools for thorough examination, fostering robust debate, and ensuring that legislation and policies are subjected to rigorous scrutiny before implementation.

Too much of our legislation seems informed by the bully pulpit of the floor of the House of Assembly where lawmakers often muse on the world as it is rather than gain insights from citizens for a world that might yet be.

Few would quarrel with the success of the committee hearings in dissecting the annual Estimates as a testament to the value of this democratic process. Line ministries faced probing questions, and their spending plans were analysed, demonstrating the accountability and transparency that parliamentary committees can bring to governance.

We must not confine these committees to their current narrow scope. Just as Royal Commissions of Inquiry were once convened to investigate pressing matters of national importance, our standing committees should now take on that mantle, delving into a diverse range of subjects that impact the daily lives of Barbadians.

Imagine joint select committees dedicated to crucial sectors such as agriculture and food security, health and wellness, environment and sustainable development, education, the arts and culture, and tourism, to say nothing of demographic segments — children, youth, pensioners — each tasked with thoroughly examining the challenges and opportunities within their respective domains.

These committees could hold public hearings, invite expert testimony, and critically analyse existing policies and practices, ultimately proposing recommendations for legislation and reform that are well-informed.

Committees could be formed to tackle specific issues that arise, ranging from immediate environmental concerns to a long view of our social welfare programmes. By harnessing the collective wisdom and expertise of our elected representatives, coupled with input from relevant stakeholders and experts, these committees would shed light on complex matters, fostering informed decision-making and fostering greater public trust in our democratic institutions. What would Parliament get out of it? More thoughtful, better-written laws and policies.

The role of parliamentary committees should not be limited to merely rubber-stamping government proposals. Instead, they should serve as robust forums for constructive criticism, where diverse perspectives are welcomed, and where the pursuit of the greater good transcends partisan politics.

In charting our still-fresh course as a parliamentary republic, we ought to embrace the full potential of our committee system. By doing so, we not only uphold the best traditions of parliamentary democracy but also ensure that diverse voices of the Great Barbadian Public are heard and that our nation’s path forward is shaped by rigorous examination, thoughtful deliberation, and a commitment to the common good.