‘Kicksin’ in Parliament

Parliament is the highest political authority in any country for addressing and solving national problems, so even as our Prime Minister and his party colleagues seek to portray themselves as the best candidates for the ministerial and leadership positions they currently enjoy, what matters more is evidence of their fitness for office by their example and performance whilst in the position.

Events of the past few days evoke the calypsonian Explainer’s understanding of what is required from our political leaders. The opening lines to his classic calypso,“Kicksin in Parliament” clearly outline what citizens want and expect of their representatives: “I feel the Government in this country should treat the country more seriously. When they have their Parliament meeting something constructive should be happening.”

What matters are the standards set by our exemplars whose performances are broadcast live to the nation on the Parliament Channel. To whom much is given, much is expected.

Energy Minister Stuart Young’s childish and unacceptable comment reflected a sense of entitlement and hubris. His words were as unwise as they were unserious, destructive, injudicious and intemperate. In demeaning the Opposition Leader and the constituency she represents, he demeaned himself and his party.

This is hardly good politics in an election year in which the race will be close. The Speaker was correct in reprimanding Mr Young for “derogatory”, “homophobic” and “misogynistic” comments. Mr. Young’s apology ought to have been the end of a dreadful episode.

Unfortunately, the Prime Minister could not miss the opportunity to play his favourite card once again. He deflected from the current issue and portrayed himself as a victim by resurrecting allegations made in 2015 by then People’s Partnership MP Vernella Alleyne-Toppin, a fellow Tobagonian. Rather than moving on, or underlining the lesson for all, thereby affirming his administration’s commitment to a higher standard of conduct and accountability, he sought to imply that the Opposition Leader was at fault.

This is not the approach of a leader or a statesman. His words implied that Mr. Young’s conduct was somewhat less reprehensible because the other side is/or was guilty of the same type of conduct in the past. His words could be deemed an attempt to devalue the effect and impact of Mr. Young’s apology. Mr Young is yet unseasoned in the politics despite his apprenticeship with the Prime Minister and apparent seniority.

Languge is a powerful tool that can be used to bring behaviours into being. We all know and understand that an election is due in the next 12 months and there will be the inevitable jockeying for positions of prominence on the ladder of political advancement. How that battle is fought will have repercussions. After the elections, the various parties must work together to solve the country’s problems in the national interest.

Parliamentary time is too valuable to be wasted on puerile matters or to give into unacceptable behaviours. Parliamentarians are elected to solve problems not to create them. These are trying times and the country’s deep-seated economic problems should not be subordinated to frivolities.

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