Dear Editor,
The extension of the 2025 budget debate was nothing short of a circus. It is evident that the younger they are, the less poised and intellectual they portray themselves to be. No matter how much they try to conceal their intentions, their comments and behaviours, always reveal who they are. This conduct underscores the saying, “The leopard doesn’t change its spots.” All that these Members of Parliament need is the right timing and situation to display their selfish desires.
Surely, there is a huge disparity between earning a degree and having the ability to apply that knowledge towards personal and professional development. After three days of fiery commentary, I’m still trying to figure out the real purpose for the continuation of the revised budget. I was expecting to hear meaningful discussions on the amendments that were induced into the budget by Members of Parliament and Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling.
What happened to that discourse? The public was waiting to hear the discussions on the various modifications and how these changes would enhance the justice ministry and parliament. Instead, the population was blindsided with tons of senseless questions and motions that these MPs could not even present with conviction. But again, what was their true intention? Based on what has transpired, it is clear that their aim is to topple the government, one way or the other.
These are the same officials who professed that they are there to work with the ministers. But these 3 days of deliberations did not indicate that willingness. Their behaviour was a cry of desperation to return to the executive branch, because they have unfinished business to take care of. So, by the hook or the crook, they have to get back in there. Furthermore, this budget debate was as if the majority of these MPs were carrying out a directive from the man with the golden key.
This is why I’ve pleaded repeatedly that we need a new breed of prosecutors and national detectives – law enforcement who could do their job effectively. As I said before, if they were doing their job, half of parliament would not be sitting there today. MPs who mean well do not threaten their colleagues in the executive branch via motions. They dialogue with them, to further understand the challenges that they are faced with, and then offer assistance where necessary.
It was amazing to see how the issues about ankle bracelets, early release and the rights of prisoners dominated the debate. It was as if the justice minister or the entire council or the rest of the population handcuffed the prisoners and threw them in prison. It is they who made the choice to be locked up. What about us, who abide by the laws of the land? What about human rights for all of us; the victims whom they have hurt? Who is looking out for our rights, Members of Parliament?
I wished that MP Ottley and MP Lacroes would exert that same “passion” for women who are victims of domestic abuse; children of sexual abuse; victims of robberies; murders; and how can I forget the bikers? Where is the “passion” for them – those whose lives are being cut short because of the lack of direction? What about them, MP Ottley? Are they just good for taking over the streets during election time, when you scour the neighbourhoods to look for votes?
MP Frankie Myers, you are restraining my comments right now. But sometimes it is better to watch and let things play out. However, I’ll make a few brief remarks. MP Myers, I know that you are aware that you are torn between your nephews and the justice minister. Guaranteed, they don’t feel the same way. Blood is thicker than water. So, we all know why MP Ottley is adamant that the minister deals with the matters of ankle bracelet, early release and human rights for inmates.
MP Frankie Myers, I don’t think that you are defending Minister Tackling enough. You want her to do an exceptional job, but you are not paying attention to the change of dynamics in parliament. They want to get rid of you, because if they do, they get rid of the minister also. MP Myers, you are in their way. Definitely, if you were not part of this coalition, the government would have fallen already.
Prime Minister Luc Mercelina, you need to dive head-on into political reform, post-haste. It's time to return to the original format of selecting persons with integrity to serve in the legislative branch, rather than continuing with this current status that is destroying the country, election after election.
Joslyn Morton
