Parliament without a seeming code of conduct

THE EDITOR: Please allow us space in your newspaper to express our views on these certain topics that have attracted our attention with reference to the “Code of Conduct and Ethics” and procedures that are displayed by politicians in Parliament, the public in Parliament, the public and witness in a courtroom, and the media at a Press Conference. Firstly, we focus on the politicians in Parliament, we note that the Ministers speak loudly and shout across the floor at each other. Also, we have seen that they walk or storm out of Parliament; they pound on desks and interject in while others are speaking. They break out in arguments, sometimes with the Speaker. This shows gross disrespect towards the Speaker as he/she has the final say, and also to the rest of the House. Let us not leave out the fact that the Ministers slouch in their seats and even fall asleep. Is this the proper way for persons of such hierarchy to behave? What sort of example are they showing the future leaders?

Our research on the public in Parliament showed that the procedures are not usually followed, for instance, persons engage in conversations while discussions are being done: some do not sit properly. They also applaud, sleep, make excessive noises. Perhaps the public who visit the Parliament are not aware of the “Code of conduct and Ethics” that should be followed and so they behave in a manner in which they do. The public and witnesses in the Courtroom behave somewhat in the same manner as that of the public in Parliament. They may become loud and emotional during a case. We have concluded that they too are not aware of the procedures to be adhered to. Finally, we refer to the media at a Press Conference. It is said that they do not have set rules to follow, but we believe that naturally they should behave in a respectable manner. This is not always the case as they speak and ask questions all at once. This leads to frustration on behalf of the speaker, important questions not being answered and the list goes on. They tend to be aggressive and also antagonistic. Is there really need for them to come across in that manner? Persons in our country are not aware of how to conduct themselves in public places, from how to present themselves to how they socialise. If the leaders of our country cannot follow procedures and present themselves in a respectable manner, then what are we to consider correct.

Solange Hernandez, Parnelle Browne, Tegan Lyder, Fiona Hay, Anita Bandoo, Krista Gabriel
Students of the Social Etiquette Year 1 Class Institute