The crossing of the floor by Ralph Thorne has generated some interest in the political landscape in Barbados. Obviously his crossing was timed to coincide with the tabling of the 2024-2025 Estimates and ‘Budget’ debate.
From all reports Thorne’s prosecutorial style resonated well with a public starved of muscular representation in the Lower House. His delivery during the Budget reply contrasted starkly with Joe Atherley’s mundane style if not substance.
The blogmaster like many is looking forward to a similar level of intervention when the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is convened. In our system of government which attempts to mirror what is practiced in the United Kingdom, the PAC is one of the most important committee of parliament meant to hold government’s feet to the fire regarding disbursement of public monies.
Its main functions are to see that public moneys are applied for the purposes prescribed by Parliament, that extravagance and waste are minimised and that sound financial practices are encouraged in estimating and contracting and in administration generally.
UK Parliament
The Mottley government is not accustomed to being asked hard questions in parliament, evident by the self-aggrandizing and pithy nature of responses by members of parliament. The degree of apathy and cynicism which characterizes the public’s interest in politics has reached a dangerous level. A quality system of government is only as good as the quality of participation by citizens. In the absence of quality people participation, the servants are forced to anoint themselves the masters.
The blogmaster was intrigued by Prime Minister’s response to one of several queries by Leader of the Opposition Ralph Thorne regarding a government sponsored entourage of 67 people to Abu Dhabi. Prime Minister Mottley has done well to elevate her international profile and in the process drag Barbados along. All admit Barbados’ international brand prior to 2018 impersonated that of the introvert and recluse Freundel Stuart. Who will forget how some countries began to openly poke fun at Barbados. The government should not forget however that there is an expectation and role for an opposition in parliament to oppose and ask questions. The public will have to be discerning to strip away the political blustering.
A parliamentary opposition (in a multi-party system) with an official leader of the opposition, which generally takes on an adversarial role,[12] presenting arguments against the government’s policies.
Westminster system
There is a sensible path Mottley must travel considering the perilous state of the economy. Her forays in the international arena cannot be at the expense of what concerns citizens on the ground. It is commendable the government has been attracting grant funding for important projects. However, it is reasonable for the opposition to ask if a 67 member entourage was necessary to trek to Abu Dhabi. Mottley’s emotional rant in reply about flying business class and sharing apartment on overseas trips was for the gallery.
There is a reason the Constitution recognizes a Leader of the Opposition in the Lower House. It is unfortunate the electoral system that has served us well since independence was exposed in recent elections. It is up to the sensible among us to work to implement improvements required for good governance and not succumb to political opportunism.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.