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gilly@tstt.net.tt
On
with the show
With
bated breath we awaited the ceremonial opening of Parliament
and yes, we were given a sneak preview of the drama that
is to come. With the greatest respect to the person who
holds the highest office in the land, many will forget the
words of the President of the republic. His sober statement
was overshadowed by the footworks and antics of those elected
to represent the people.
Like a movie trailer packed with action from start to finish,
the footage for the weekly drama dubbed Parliament 2008—The
Lower House, promises that in the New Year, we will not
be starved for entertainment.
Initial indications suggest that the prop most required
in each session will be a handkerchief allowing members
on opposing sides the opportunity to wipe their hands and
other body parts if necessary, after interacting with the
enemy.
Who knows, as the budget increases, the rules of the House
may be adjusted so that resort may be had to aerosol products
such which claim to kill viruses, bacteria, mold, mildew
and within recent times, 99.9 per cent of germs in just
30 seconds.
Think of the sound effects and visual impact as members
on the opposite side lift and spray their cans into the
air in order to prevent contamination from the contributions
of their opponents.
But on second thought, some studies suggest that the use
of aerosol sprays destroys the ozone layer that protects
us from the harmful rays of the sun, so perhaps it is best
that the politicians continue to use their handkerchiefs.
Ready for broadcast
Parliament is the place where the interests of the people
are ventilated, urgent matters of public importance are
addressed and bills are passed.
It is commendable that in the last Session, Parliament was
literally brought to the people by the live and delayed
broadcast of its proceedings.
As a result, more of the population is aware of the procedure
in the House when matters are being debated, and can assess
the competence of those who make contributions.
For those who no longer sit in the House, it is time to
move on. There is no use lamenting about what could have
been; there is a new show in town and the old players who
have strut and fret upon the stage may just be heard no
more. That is the reality of politics and those who enter
the arena must be prepared to exit at the given time.
When the curtain closes, it is always hoped that the performance
would have earned rave reviews. If the audience begs for
more, the spent players must take time to regain strength
to successfully re-enter the political battlefield.
For those who will no longer hold the spotlight, there is
always the ability to look at re-runs or DVD footage and
reminisce about the good times.
But with all the issues that affect us as a nation, it seems
that there will be little time to dwell on the past.
So while the Government plays chess in the Parliament by
placing its pieces for an early lead in the game, the Opposition
is monitoring each move to ensure that its best mouthpieces
are ready to launch an attack.
And while the battle lines have already been drawn, we hope
that the population does not get killed in the political
crossfire.
What the country needs in Parliament is lively and meaningful
debates filled with relevant content and flavoured with
appropriate humour.
An occasional topping of deserved rebuke makes the contribution
more enjoyable.
Surely the art of debate was a prominent topic in the recent
retreat in Salybia and we anticipate sterling contributions
by members.
Filled to capacity
As a nation with an insatiable appetite for bacchanal, one
expects that the public gallery will be filled with persons
who want to witness the events live and direct, as opposed
to controlled on-screen viewing.
After all, if things get out of control or go beyond the
wildest imagination of the Speaker, those who sit as spectators
in the House will be the obvious crowd pullers as they recount
the events as witnessed by the naked eyes.
Who knows, if things really wax warm, vacant seats in the
House may be a phenomena of the past.
Admittedly, the Parliament has not yet become a red carpet
event where emphasis is placed on glitz and fashion.
But do not be mistaken, over the next five years there are
those with ambitions of Hollywood and Bollywood proportions
who will attempt to convert the august halls of the chamber
into a raucous marketplace.
Of course the excuse for the uproar will be the need to
properly represent the people.
The issue of scalping tickets to ensure a place will not
arise, but the lines to enter the gallery may be long and
winding from early hours in the day. Those interested in
attending the event are best advised to monitor the proceedings
to ensure that they are not left out of the loop as to what
is on the Order Paper for debate.
From the reports, it seems that the pilot programme featuring
the first sitting of the Ninth Republican Parliament was
a tremendous success.
America can boast of its hit series—Lost, Survivor
and Dancing with the Stars. Here at home we can be proud
of our number one programme—Parliamentary Showdown.
Looking at the stars
The Parliament Channel and the radio broadcast of the proceedings
feature the main political actors and actresses who love
to play to the crowds and please their adoring fans.
There will be no shortage of spontaneous outbursts and pre-arranged
walk-outs, after all, Parliament will be the place of action.
And while all the star boys and star girls vie for the camera,
it is hoped that they will be mindful of their over-riding
duty to serve the people and ensure that there is no compromise
of the national interest.
Is it that the new kids on the block will be outshone by
the big bad, bullies from the past? Or will the unknown
brat pack surpass our expectation?
Tune in every Friday for ‘Battle in the House’,
as each national issue is used by opposing sides to gain
strategic advantage and political brownie points.
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