Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds has called for urgent changes to the internal workings of Parliament, including a revision of the standing orders and greater accountability for statements made by elected officials.
Speaking during continuation of the debate recently in the House of Assembly on the Report of the Parliamentary Reform Commission, Symmonds said Barbados’ democratic machinery must evolve to serve both the local population and the global diaspora more effectively.
Symmonds took aim at what he described as an underutilised and outdated set of parliamentary procedures that, if reformed, could elevate the quality of public discourse and governance. Chief among his concerns was the lack of regular use of parliamentary questions, which he said were essential for both accountability and transparency.
“It is all well and good for members of the Opposition in this place and outside of these places to make slurs and indulge in baseless innuendo,” Symmonds said.
“But if those charges are never backed by formal questions in Parliament, then it is not accountability – it is cowardice.”
He argued that allegations made in the public sphere without follow-up in the House enables misinformation and contribute to intellectual laziness.
“The country is done an injustice, because people out there will believe there is merit in the allegation, when no one has tested it with evidence or argument. If a member makes a claim, they must have the courage to face the minister or prime minister and ask a question that forces a response on record.”
Symmonds also pointed out that proper use of parliamentary questions would not only hold the Opposition to a higher standard, but would also keep Government ministers accountable and prepared to defend their policies publicly.
The Minister lamented that too much leeway was being given to members who “draw a salary before doing the work,” and said this culture must end if Parliament is to reflect serious and mature democratic engagement.
Symmonds urged Parliament to consider institutionalising mechanisms for greater involvement of the Barbadian diaspora, particularly with evolving immigration policies abroad and global economic challenges.
“We must create a more rigorous degree of participation and broader opportunity for our diaspora to be involved in national affairs,” he said.
While acknowledging that Barbados often calls upon its diaspora for charitable contributions and investment – especially during events such as the Year of the Return – Symmonds said there must be reciprocity.
“The relationship between Barbados and its diaspora cannot be one of convenience,” he cautioned.
“It cannot just be that we want you to come home and spend money. We must also ask ourselves what Barbados is prepared to do for the diaspora.”
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