Dear Editor,
The more I look at the deliberations in parliament, the more I am convinced that the aim is to keep this dysfunctional system intact – these structural inefficiencies that benefit the Members of Parliament who support this practice, but try to convince the population otherwise – this false narrative that keeps recycling time and time again.
Wednesday, August 13, 2025, illuminated this view, after Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling responded to pending questions that were posed, a few months prior. However, the presentation was of an elevated caliber – almost every question was answered in its entirety, including the clarification period. Unlike other ministers, who need time to research the answers to the questions, Minister Tackling responded immediately.
This demonstrates her knowledge and commitment to provide parliament and the public with a high-level representation. But I can allude that the atmosphere was already tense, before she got there. The first sign of objection came from MPs Darryl York and Ardwell Irion, who walked out of the meeting at the very beginning – parliamentarians who pride themselves to be that model representative for the youth and the people.
Then, the rest of the opposition seemed not to be interested in the information – the same data that they have requested and anxiously awaited. The confirmation came when MP Omar Ottley took the floor to express his views on the presentation. It was evident that he was furious with the minister. His tone, his body-language and choice of words, expressed his anger.
Wow! MP Omar Ottley, instead of getting blue vex with Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling, why don’t you tell the public the real reason why you are upset with her? MP Ottley, you see all that research that you did on human rights for inmates of various countries? That cannot help you. Every time you display that aggressive attitude towards the minister, it just exposes how disingenuous you are to the people, whom you declared that you are fighting for.
MP Ottley, is it not a fact that your family member asked to be released from prison, so he could take part in this year’s carnival with the aid of the ankle bracelet? And, that you are upset with the minister because she did not grant him the permission to do so? Be honest for once and tell the people the truth, MP Ottley. But I’m happy that the minister responded to you the way she did, not just in the first round, but more so, during the clarification period.
You thought that you had the minister hooked, but you forgot that you were dealing with a scholar and not street lawyer. Didn’t you noticed that there wasn’t any need for the minister to seek the answers to the questions? She already assessed the devious moves of certain MPs and has anticipated the questions, not just to stay one step ahead, but to indicate again that this is her domain, which further emphasized the thinking of a scholar and not that of a street lawyer.
If the population was paying keen attention, the people would have realized that the line of questioning from all opposition members was practically the same. The goal wasn’t about seeking the answers to the questions; it was more an attempt to trip up the minister. Even MP Roseburg joined in with you, because you said that you consulted her, but the population knows (no matter how much she says otherwise) that she is on the fence.
Minister Tackling, it’s your discretion to engage in direct conversations with MPs whose mission is to take you down that rabbit hole, but be very careful. Case in point: Isn’t this is the same MP Ottley who recently declared in parliament that he spoke to you in private about your objectives and when you enlightened him, he urged you to let the public know, so that the people can see what you are working on? Is this not so, Minister Tackling?
Now that the public is aware, this becomes a problem. He was quick to announce that you used some of his ideas. This juvenile behaviour is the downfall of parliament. Pay attention minister: The marijuana legislation was drafted under the NA and UP government – the same players who opposed your mode of competencies, now that you are in a different function. I never knew which firm was contracted for the task, until MP Darryl York revealed it in parliament, just the other day.
So, your knowledge is valuable when it benefits them, but becomes questionable when your standard does not meet their needs.
Minister Tackling, He who has directed you this far will guide you way beyond their expectations. Therefore, continue to measure your successes by your own standards, because you are the architect of your legacy.
Joslyn Morton
