Speaker appeals to MPs to raise level of budget debate

Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Barton Scotland admonished Parliamentarians to raise the level of the ongoing debate on the 2019 budget.

The Speaker’s comments followed the presentation by Government MP, Charrandass Persaud, during the second day of the debates.

“Honourable members, I make an appeal, which is to ask members if they can lift the level in their presentations. Let us try that,” Dr. Barton stated.

Persaud sought to address the reference made by Opposition MP, Irfaan Ali who started his budget presentation on Monday by citing a song that spoke to ‘lies’. Persaud said, “Mr. Irfaan Ali spoke of lies. We told lies?” The speaker interjected.

“All members in this Chamber, that word will not be acceptable. It was used monday. In fact, Honourable Mr. Ali began his presentation with a certain reference; whether in song or in verse it will not be permitted henceforth. You will have to express yourself in parliamentary language,” Dr. Barton warned.

Persaud continued during the debate to speak about a neighbour whom he saw on television crying about the effects the loss of employment in the sugar belt would affect his children.

“And he doesn’t have a child. That’s the problem, and I had to take task with that. I had to. He does not have a child, not an adopted child either.”

Earlier in the

day,

the Speaker warned members about heckling; pointing out that MPs will be provided their full time to make their presentations, even if they are interrupted.

Some MPs continue to read their presentations. They have been stuttering through the pages and in some cases sounding incoherent. In some cases, the MPs have strayed from the programmes outlined in the 2019 budget, forcing the Speaker to intervene and request that the presenter remain on topic.

On Monday, the Speaker warned Opposition MP Priya Manickchand, who had live-streamed Ali’s presentation.

Last year’s consideration of the estimates had descended into chaos when PPP MP, Juan Edghill refused to obey the Speaker’s instructions to vacate the House. Edghill was suspended without pay and the matter is still before the Parliamentary Committee of Privileges. Also last year, a woman in ‘Santa Claus’ attire, entered the Parliament Chamber and attempted to present Opposition Leader, Bharrat Jagdeo with an Oxford Dictionary as he wrapped up the debate on the Opposition side of the House. Indications are that the woman came in properly dressed and changed her clothes in the MPs bathroom. A few days later, a woman was escorted from the Parliament Chamber by security when she started singing, ‘God is watching us’.

(Kaieteur News)