The news that the Prevention of Corruption Bill has been sent to a Joint Committee of parliament for deliberation has not come as a surprise to many. It is only naïve Barbadians who expect politicians to proclaim integrity legislation in this century or the next. The promise by the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) to deliver integrity legislation in 100 days has finally been exposed for what it always was, an election gimmick.  Culpable as well has been the Barbados Labour Party (BLP) Opposition who have been relatively silent on the matter.

The promise made by Opposition member of parliament Dale Marshall that it is hoped a revamped bill will emerge from the joint committee quickly, must be taken with several grains of salt. In fact, it should probably be dismissed as an untruth delivered with the confidence of a politician who knows the tolerance threshold of Bajans to be passive.

It is more than one year Barbadians have waited for a ruling on the David Estwick/Dale Marshall gun issue. Subject to correction the matter was referred to the Committee of Privileges by Speaker Michael Carrington and that is the last heard of the matter. Is it any wonder there is a growing cynicism and lack of confidence about the inner workings of our democracy and politics in Barbados by young people? Many literate Bajans believe that a true measure of our democracy is the ability to vote.

Some may remember this is not the first time there has been an attempt to enact integrity legislation in Barbados. Under a Tom Adams government BU recalls Sir Henry Forde’s effort. Thankfully he was able to replenish his political stock when he successfully championed a bill for women’s rights for which he is not fondly remembered by men to this day. Why would those issues reported to have stymied the progress of the  Prevention of Corruption Bill not be anticipated by the drafters of the legislation? Why would the draft bill have to disappear in joint committee because of impracticable and contentious clauses? Why would we not have learned from the last attempt to move the legislation?

It is shaping up that the battle on the political platform next general election – forecasted by some BU family members – will be about the performance of the economy. Given the protracted and unprecedented nature of the economic problems facing Barbados, the electorate is likely to be more sensitive to rising prices which continue to threaten the ability to provide food, clothing and shelter. Promise by the DLP to deliver Integrity  and Freedom of Information  Legislation will just be another opportunity of politicians maintaining reputations.

While this government will exact some sympathy as it confronts the global economic challenges, its failure to enact Integrity Legislation and Freedom of Information will seal its legacy in this tenure as a government who followed the worn path of those who went before it.

Ralphie was correct after all, there is no difference in philosophy between the DLP and the BLP.