Is Yetming kicksing in Parliament?

THE EDITOR: There is a perception among the down to earth members of the citizenry that often parliament is “not for real.” The calypsonians, our best known and understood social commentators, the unacknowledged legislators of our land, often express the theme, “In Parliament they kicksin.” It seems that our inscrutable Yetming might have been indulging in some type of ‘kicksing,’ intentional or otherwise. Newspaper reports quote the honourable, former finance Minister as saying “about reports of speculation that a certain sum of money that was paid was a bribe. The gentleman admits that what follows is more conjecture.

This is more than merely ridiculous. The honourable Parliamentarian has according to his own admission, no knowledge that this “certain sum of money” has indeed been paid to some mysterious Minister of Government. Indeed he admits to speculation on the nature of the alleged payment, is he sure however that money has indeed been paid? The thing is like Alice in Wonderland getting “curiouser and curiouser.” The revelations of Mr Yetming offer more unknowns than information. There is no quantum with regard to the payment, no identity (we are to believe) with reference to the payers and the receiving Minister is unidentified so he or she may be anyone in the Cabinet. Our stern faced ex-Minister is travelling from the unknown to the unknown to the further unknown. “Ignotum per Ignotus.” His contribution denigrates from the illogical to the intensely absurd.

Still, the dour Mr Yetming is not in anyway put out of stride by his informers speculation, he joins them and wonders if this unsubstantiated accusation (“ole talk” to our bards) “could be a first payment for the 20 percent in First Citizens Bank.” To claim, in apparent na?vet?, that his statement, “careful and guarded” had been misinterpreted is attributing the fault to his audience. It seems that his listeners should understand his intentions even though his quoted utterances gave no clue. Indeed, it is strange that Mr Yetming was able so succinctly to state his intentions later on to the house. Why couldn’t he do so in the first place? Can what is done be undone?

GEORGE DAMIEN
Port-of-Spain