Contributed
The People’s National Party (PNP) is at it again. In their latest press release, dated July 2, 2026, the Opposition treats us to a masterclass in political theatre, clutching their collective pearls over what they describe as a "troubling pattern" threatening Jamaica’s parliamentary democracy. But if you strip away the lofty rhetoric about Westminster traditions and constitutional breakdown, what you are left with is a textbook example of an opposition party crying foul because they failed to navigate basic parliamentary procedure.
What the press release conveniently leaves out is the broader context: this isn't an isolated incident of "procedural inconsistency," but part of a calculated, week-after-week strategy by the PNP to deliberately disrupt the proceedings of Parliament. Having seemingly abandoned constructive debate, the Opposition has turned Gordon House into a stage for coordinated stunts aimed at stalling government business.
Let’s dismantle their three "grave" grievances one by one.
1. The Paulwell Outcry: Rules Apply to Everyone, Even the Opposition
First, the PNP complains that Leader of Opposition Business Phillip Paulwell was ruled out of order by the Speaker before he could launch into a spiel about an Integrity Commission report. The PNP indignantly claims a Speaker can't rule on an objection without hearing it first.
But here’s the reality: Parliament runs on an Order Paper—a strict, pre-approved schedule of business. If a Member attempts to hijack the proceedings to introduce a topic not on the agenda, the Speaker doesn't need a five-minute preamble to know it's out of order. Directing Paulwell to discuss the matter privately with the Leader of Government Business wasn't "silencing opposition"; it was standard housekeeping to prevent the House from degenerating into an undisciplined talk-shop.
2. The "Missed" Division: A Bad Case of Selective Hearing
Second, the PNP alleges that the Speaker ignored their calls for a "division" (a formal, recorded vote) during a Regulations Committee motion, claiming the Speaker simply said she "hadn't heard" them. They are now dramatically demanding a review of Hansard and official recordings.
Give us a break. If an Opposition genuinely wants a division, they don't mumble it under their breath; they make it loud, clear, and impossible to ignore. If the Speaker didn't hear it, it's highly likely it was either poorly timed or lacked the collective vocal force required to arrest the proceedings. Turning a simple communication gap into a grand conspiracy to subvert democracy is a desperate stretch, even for a press release.
3. The Burchell Shield: Hypocrisy in the House
Finally, the PNP expresses outrage that Government Members launched "sustained personal attacks" against South St. James MP Nekeisha Burchell, accusing the Speaker of letting it dominate the debate.
This is peak political hypocrisy. The floor of Gordon House has never been a monastery. Both sides of the aisle regularly engage in fierce, partisan political jabs—it is the nature of adversarial politics. For the PNP to suddenly act like delicate flowers who are victims of "personal attacks" ignores the fact that their own members are just as quick to dish it out when the cameras are rolling. If an MP injects themselves aggressively into a heated procedural battle, they cannot whine when the political counterpunch lands.
The Bottom Line
This press release isn't about saving Jamaican democracy; it’s about score-settling and media posturing. When the PNP wins a procedural battle, it’s a victory for the people; when they lose, it’s an "authoritarian threat to the constitution."
Instead of writing breathless press releases accusing the Speaker of bias, the Opposition might want to abandon their ongoing, weekly strategy of disruption, spend more time mastering the Standing Orders, and ensure their members speak loudly enough to be heard. Democracy in Jamaica is doing just fine—the PNP’s parliamentary strategy, however, could use some work.
Contributed by Anthony Fisher
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| Anthony Fisher |
Anthony Fisher attended Frome Technical High and Illinois State University. He has a BSc in Mass Media. A former videographer at the Jamaica Information Service, he is now a Multimedia Communication Specialist at the University of Illinois.
Anthony is a member of the diaspora who continues to show keen interest in Jamaica. We appreciate members of the diaspora supporting Bark Di Trute.
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The PNP and their ongoing shenanigans are truly exasperating. The Jamaican people are over it.
ReplyDeleteMy takeaway is as follows: 1. Every newly elected member of parliament should be handed the rule book to review before being seated 2. Every newly elected member must attest that they have read the rules of parliament and agree to be bound thereby. If one does not know the rules they can’t follow the rules. The country needs our parliamentarians to set a good example for civil discourse. If our members of parliament behave like indisciplined children, then how do you think or children and citizens will behave? Shame on our parliamentarians! Rise to the occasion and rule by example and remember our children are watching!
ReplyDelete