The Estimates Debate is well on the way in parliament and should logically be expected to attract robust debate given the dire straits of the local economy. Unfortunately former Prime Minister Arthur’s assessment that debate in parliament has plummeted to a poorakey standard remains an apt description. A listen to the ongoing debate in the House has failed to inspire faith in the BU household that the required intellectual capital and gumption cab be located in that august chamber.
On a tangential note BU understands when the speaker abruptly interrupted MAM’s presentation yesterday Minister of Health and Leader of government business John Boyce crossed the floor and confronted MAM saying he would slap her. The speaker then asked for a recess. The Speaker was heard directing comments at the member for Christ Church South which was followed by a break. MAM continued after the break but there was no Speaker. BU invites comment about this episode which has managed to elude public scrutiny.
The other issue we invite comment is the information reaching BU that the temperamental Minister of Agriculture David Estwick did not attend the parliamentary group meeting which met to discuss the approach to the Estimates. Given his hogging of media space in recent weeks and the pending status of his UAE Proposal which is being weighted by the Prime Minister, one has to surmise that members of parliament on the government side must be sitting as one would with piles.
At a time when our country should be steely focussed on effectively and efficiently managing Barbados’ affairs we continue to be comfortable operating in a combative mode which continues to polarize Barbadians on the grave issues facing Barbados. We all look forward to Estwick’s contribution to the debate tomorrow.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.