Source- Real News Antigua: The Members of the Opposition bench were shut out of the debate on the 2024 Appropriations Bill, which began and ended in the Lower House yesterday, December 19.
The political leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP), MP Jamale Pringle, told REAL News the Party’s six representatives, as well as their colleague, Barbuda MP Trevor Walker, were in the middle of preparing for the debate on Tuesday morning.
Pringle explained that, given the time frame of one business day to get ready; the difficulties Members were encountering in reaching critical government offices; and the critical need for consultation with constituents and advisors, it simply was “impossible” for them to be ready that day.
Accordingly, the Government side began the debate – including the hurling of various criticisms and accusations at the absent Members – and rushed it to conclusion that same day.
And in what one pundit says is “Part 2 of a calculated rush-through of the Budget Debate,” the Upper House will sit for one day only – Friday, December 22 – putting its “expected rubber stamp” on the Appropriations Bill, 2024.
In the meantime, Pringle is assuring Party supporters and the public, in general, that the UPP parliamentarians will deliver their properly researched presentations during “The People’s Parliament.”
‘This will take place, he says, “after the holiday celebrations, when the people are less distracted and in a better position to hear and absorb what we’re saying.”
Observers have noted that fewer than 150 people tuned in to view the debate via the ABS Facebook page, which, apparently, even Prime Minister Gaston Browne was monitoring.
They say that Browne, himself, appeared not to be too interested in his colleagues’ contributions, as posts to his Facebook page were appearing even as the debate was taking place.
Initially, the debate was slated to start on Monday, December 18, the next business day after the budget was presented.
However, the Opposition bench objected, noting that it did not allow them enough
time to prepare properly and to seek advice from the experts.
Pringle and MP Richard Lewis, speaking for the UPP, felt that Thursday, December 21, would have been more appropriate and in keeping with the traditional period of time for a response.
Walker, too, vehemently opposed the Government bench’s dates and stood in solidarity with his UPP colleagues. However, Independent MP Asot Michael was not present.
However, the Government settled on Tuesday, December 19, and in a vote on the Motion, its bench prevailed.
Supporters of the Opposition – which, collectively, received more votes than the ruling party in the January 18 General Election – are displeased with the disrespect the Browne Administration continues to show their representatives and, by extension, the voters.
Meanwhile, starting the debate on Tuesday was Minister of Education Daryll Matthew, who outlined plans for his portfolios for 2024, followed by the minister of housing and public works and the tourism minister, respectively.
The other MPs followed, with Finance Minister Browne winding up the debate on the $1.3 billion budget, said to represent 17.1 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
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This reminds me of the alfa nar go. Have you ever seen them pass any thing in parliament so fast? Next thing you know a yatch and it’s maintenance was crammed down the people’s pockets now this budget and tax increase. Makes me wonder.
The People’s Parliament…… Hmmm. Interesting.
We shall see how this comes off. I certainly will be monitoring…
According to PM Browne “If the opposition were present the debate on the 2024 budget would have concluded on Friday December 22nd.” Something not adding up here, let do the math. The government side consist of nine members and the opposition eight. Why would the addition of eight speakers take three more days to finish debating the budget when nine members finish in a day. Then the PM is saying the eight opposition members have more to say than the nine government members. I never could understand this new maths at all.
9members = i day
additional 8 members = 3 more days
17 members = 4 days
NO WONDER WE FAILING IN MATHEMATICS
@ Dion Pelle …. The logics of your argument need to be reviewed. Perhaps the PM is right with the time span because the opposition would regurgitate alot of hogwash
Ok, when you all forego your salaries for December, then you can tell me about people’s parliament. Bunch of ignoramus posing as parliamentarians.
Opposition playing dolly house. That is what they think running a country is all about. Well guys continue to play dolly house. Because you are not ready yet for prime time.
Dunceness to the highest degree…. We put you in parliament to represent us, please do your job properly
These are the results We receive from THE DUNCE OPPOSITON party. How many times We shall see this kind of action from our SO CALLED OPPOSITION. BIG UP Jaqui Quinn for calling out the OPPOSITION. It is about time.
To the honorable members of the opposition. Your continued walk outs and boycotting of Parliament are not serving the people who voted for you. The people gave you a mandate to be their voice. But your continued absence on this which is of vital importance speaks of your failure to be the voice of the people. Gaston Browne and his band of merry men plan things weeks in advance. My question is are the people’s business only conducted Monday to Friday. After Gaston made his presentation on Friday why is it that you guys could not bunker down behind closed doors over the weekend and prepare for battle. You were duped. Played right into his hands. Let’s evaluate the way parliamentary business is being done. They the ruling govt gets weeks to prepare whilst you the opposition if you are lucky gets 5 days. Stop playing these childish games with him and put some fire under the speaker to do his job and make sure that the rules are adhered to and the bills to be debated are provided in a timely manner as stipulated by the standing orders and rules of the honorable house.
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