by Linda Straker
- Opposition Leader chained himself to his table after beginning response to 2021 budget
- Clement was not present when Budget sitting resumed on Friday
- House Speaker allowed Clement to speak for 2 hours
Opposition Leader Tobias Clement on Monday chained himself to his table, moments after beginning his response to the 2021 budget which was delivered by Finance Minister Gregory Bowen last week Wednesday.
The Budget sitting resumed last Friday but Clement was not present. “That will mean, therefore, that we have gone back to making presentations. The Leader of the Opposition, when he comes, if he comes, would be allowed to make a presentation just as any other member of the House, the timing of which is one hour. It’s unfortunate we cannot hold up the entire nation and this house to the fancy of the Leader of the Opposition,” said House Speaker Michael Pierre.
Clement anticipated that he would be removed if he continued to speak beyond one hour.
“I am here to deliver what I have to deliver to the people,” Clement said, after standing to commence his presentation after the Minister for Social Development made her presentation on the budget.
“And I believe, Mr Speaker, in order to get me out before my time is up you will have to nuke this place,” said Clement as he proceeded to chain himself to the table.
“When I leave this House, one thing I know I will leave with my self-respect. This might be the most famous piece of chain in Grenada today. Let the whole world see that in chain I will deliver what I have to deliver today. If you have to get me out today, I do not know if the orderlies can afford it,” said Clement as he bolted the chain to his hand.
House Speaker Pierre interrupted the opposition leader by explaining to him that the Parliament is a place of freedom. “I do understand a lot of drama and grandstanding… I don’t know why you came so prepared. You see you were given the opportunity to do your do, that is your privilege as Leader of the Opposition.”
“I don’t understand the drama and the chain. This Parliament is not a slave pen; the Parliament is a place of freedom and you stand to speak, you stand to debate the budget and I think as you say the world is watching, but the world doesn’t want to see a comedian or something like that in this country. The Parliament is bigger than that,” he said.
The Parliament Standing Orders do not provide the order in which members must respond to the budget, but recommends that the Leader of the Opposition be provided with the same time as used by the Minister presenting the budget or 2 hours or whichever is more.
Pierre allowed Clement to speak for 2 hours.
He got so much free publicity which he won’t of got if he had just turn up and put his case forward.
Now the country and the world knows what took place on this day.
Speaking of the national flag, I have to say (to be honest) that the Grenada flag is one of the ugliest I have ever seen.
It is full of clashing colours– and far too many design elements– just like the stomach-turning murals along the walled-in GBSS-Tanteen playground that looks like an urban slum.
Grenadians who come from humble backgrounds, and who now run the country, do not understand the beauty of neutral, understated buildings in cream and beige. Instead, they have painted nearly every structure on the island in bright fuchsia, acquamarine and other gaudy colours that assault the eye and offend good taste.
Mediterranean islands in Greece, Italy and the former Yugolslavia enhance their natural beauty with buildings painted in white. Look at how much prettier their towns look, compared to St.Georges.
Well they all want to be Prime Minister. I was going to write something here but all you know who…he might sue me
We are fighting a losing battle if the opposition leader is taking such steps to day a few words on a annual budget.
This gentleman had a opportunity to put some counter arguments towards the government and he failed
Also he should try and convince the general public that he us a strong leader and the double will see that and respect his standing.
At the moment he has failed to show leadership which is what is needed in order to call yourself the leader of the opposition.
Sorry you are Not ready to face the current government.
Forty Percent Negative:
I cannot believe this math – seriously!
Who is checking these stats?
100% likes the national flag: red, gold and green.
60% are very patriotic and law abiding…
40% are not optimistic, hates the head, and dislikes everything.
40% are refusing to nation building,
And extremely confrontational…
Every day criticizing, complaining and abusing freedom of speech.
Whilst the farmers are suffering – the poor just getting poorer.
Nutmegs and Cocoa inquiring, where is banana?
60% tilling the soil enthusiastically and planting with passion
40% don’t like anything green at all.
Jah sent the sargassum weeds – free for cultivation – in the country and the town.
40% of businesses and schools have no decorum.
40% seniors, bus operators and fisher folks are pathetic,
Bringing their freshness to our children – the nation’s future.
40% of highly educated ones are drastically self-centered, condescending and materialistic…
According to 2020 statistics: Praedial Larceny –
Forty percent negative.
We need unity, to defeat this pandemic
By protecting our people, to build this country 100%.
By: Bernard Charles