Our parliamentary system of government with its likeness to the British Westminster Model has served us well in a post-Independence period, over fifty years. What has become evident is the disappearance of preferential tariffs and quotas which previously benefited developing countries like Barbados. What this means for Barbados an island not endowed with natural resources is the necessity for its people to be trained and the body of expertise created leveraged to the hilt for the sake of national productivity.
Some changemakers opine that any useful change must be led. If Barbados is to continue to build on its social and economic prosperity the Parliament of Barbados must be one of the agents leading the way. However if our parliament is to act as an agent to promote change some changes will be required.
A good place to start is the Senate, a proverbial talk shop whose sole purpose appear to be to rubber stamp laws agreed by the lower house. Lost within the Senate are Senators who act as ministers and parliamentary secretaries in government who are not obligated to speak about the peoples business in any obligatory way. For example, there is Senator The Hon. Darcy Boyce who many will argue carries one of the most important portfolios given the prevailing economic climate, that of Minister of State with responsibility of Finance, Investment, Telecommunications and Energy. Why should Barbadians support a system of government that allows Senator Boyce to hide from the public in the Senate. BU’s research confirms Senator Boyce has delivered 5 speeches in 32 Senate sittings. Would it not make sense if Minister Darcy Boyce operated in a parliamentary system which required him to join his colleagues on the front bench of the House of Assembly?
It should concern Barbadians that the work rate of the Senate has slowed considerably under the present government. BU finds alarming that a Democratic Labour Party (DLP) government which has been in office for less than 3 years would not generate enough business for the Senate to work more than once a month. Where is the productivity promised on the campaign trail? Under the previous Barbados Labour Party (BLP) government there is evidence the Senate met once and sometime twice a week. Should Barbadians be happy at this glaring inefficiency in our system of government?
The relevance of the Senate can be further exposed in its composition. Of the 21 Senators 12 are appointed by the Prime Minister, 7 by the Governor General and 2 by the Leader of the Opposition. Now give us a freaking break! Bear in mind many of the Senators who are appointed by government operate as ministers, parliamentary secretaries or have a government pick. What this means is many of the government senators earn a fat salary while still drawing the monthly stipend of $1,200.00 given to senators. What a sweet deal! In the meantime we have Senator Walters and Gilkes who would have delivered less than 10 speeches between them in over 30 sittings. The two people unlucky to be picked by the opposition to serve as Senators must be sure to juggle commitment to Senate and the need to earn a living.
This is not about the DLP or BLP, it is about instituting the kind of parliamentary reforms which would ensure the best governance for the people. Let us speak out against Barbados Club Senate where some of our officers in government meet to watch CNN news and drink drinks once a month in the members area.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.