by Linda Straker
- Opposition Leader worried some decisions have far-reaching implications to country’s future and viability
- Members on Government side have told Opposition members to “shut up” and “sit down”
- Dr Mitchell will discuss concerns with Leo Cato, Speaker of Lower House
Opposition Leader Dr Keith Mitchell said that he is becoming increasingly concerned about the state of governance of the country, especially in the public service and in the Lower House of Parliament, also called the House of Representatives.
“After being in parliament for more than 40 years, some of the things I am seeing today are becoming more and more shocking. There are a number of issues that this country is having to face that we literally have not seen in the past,” he said during a news conference on 5 September.
“I am a bit worried that some of the decisions taken now are decisions that have far-reaching implications to the country’s future and viability,” Dr Mitchell said about the current Dickon Mitchell National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, which was elected in June 2022.
“For example, the clear deterioration of governance within the public service. Previous governments, including the NDC government, invested, initiated serious resources on public sector reform and ensuring that we can improve on the management of the public service as it serves the people of the country. What we are seeing now is literally a destruction of what we have worked for and put in place and spent millions on,” he said. “I have been in parliament for so many years, but I have never seen this, some of the decisions that are being taken and some of the initiatives and, of course, the running of the affairs of the Parliament must concern me… I am worried about the Parliament, its construct and what is happening at this time.”
Dr Mitchell will meet with Leo Cato, the Speaker of the House, to discuss his concerns and observations, including the lack of or inadequate answering to questions submitted by Members of the Opposition and the heckling of Members of the Opposition while they are on the floor of the Parliament contributing to a debate, offering personal explanations and speaking on the adjournment. Members on the Government side have told Opposition members to “shut up” and “sit down.”
This must be very hard to get use to when for many years the said member never had an opposition so it is something new to all.
Sad that the gentleman feels ignored but that’s life and he was one of the guilty party who start this trend .
It is easy to complain at this time but the said gentleman did very little to curb this issue when he was the governing body.
So many parishes been without public services for years and nothing happened we have in some parishes where the government been renting from the private sector to accommodate the police and fire service which they have land to build but fail to do so.
So who is to blame for this neglected option within our government….for example what would be the best option for the country long term……Renting or build ?