by Linda Straker
- Modeste suggested educational outreach to citizens about legislation down for approval
- Data Protection Bill approved in March was controversial current affairs topic
- Lewis–Peters’ greatest concern is disrespect from Government side to Opposition members
Two Members of Parliament on the Opposition side of the Lower House of Parliament, also called the House of Representatives, said that the approval of bills through all stages during the first sitting, disrespect to members and the lack of answers to questions submitted to the Government, are among their concerns during the first year of the Dickon Mitchell National Democratic Congress Administration.
Clarice Modeste, who has been representing the constituency of St Mark since 1999, said rushing the bills and not answering the questions are her present concerns. “There are 2 things that we have concerns about: the shortcuts to pass some bills through all its stages when we feel that it is going to impact on people’s lives.”
She suggested educational outreach to citizens about legislation down for approval. “If the bill is not urgent, and if there is an opportunity to consult, I think we should do that. People need to be educated on it and consult on it before that happens so they can be better prepared, and we have several instances of that,” she said without naming any specific bill.
The Data Protection Bill, which was approved in March, became a very controversial current affairs topic after Opposition Leader Dr Keith Mitchell called for a delay of the approval to facilitate consultation with citizens.
“My Second concern is about questions that are answered or not answered. I will just say here that the ministers are responsible to answer questions; they have staff, they have teams…The Government has to take responsibility for everything,” Modeste said, explaining that when questions centre around a government agency or government body, the relevant minister is responsible.
Kate Lewis-Peters, Member of Parliament for St Andrew’s Northeast, said her greatest concern since becoming a member of the Opposition side is the disrespect from members on the Government side during sittings. “The disrespect meted out to some members of the opposition while making their contribution, it is an indication that members of the Government do not acknowledge the contribution of members of the Opposition in the House of Parliament.”
Lewis-Peters began serving as a member of the Lower House following the 2018 General Election. While she did not refer to any specific incidents, in a recent sitting, Opposition Leader Dr Mitchell confirmed that while he was on the floor speaking, Member for St George South loudly called on him to shut up.
