The MP recall bill
What the people say about
By Keisha McCammon
Stabroek News
May 14, 2007
What are your views on the bill to recall members of parliament? We asked the man and the woman in the street this question and this is what they had to say:
Juan Ford, photographer: 'I think that the MP recall bill should be passed. However, everyone should have time to say something about the situation. I think that any person who is not performing and who the party does not have confidence in should vacate the parliamentary seat and be replaced by someone who the party feels is more capable.
Claude Hyman-Fraser, security officer: 'I believed the MP recall bill should be passed because I agree that if a party is not pleased with the conduct of one of its members that that person should not still occupy a seat. Also if someone decides to form another party they should also give up their seat. If the members are dissatisfied with a member's performance then they should vote to have that person removed.'
Jhamanine Luthers, student: 'When considering whether to pass such a bill. One has to look at certain factors. I believe it depends on if evidence can be presented to show that a member is failing in his/her capacity then that person can be removed from the seat. If the person is just occupying the seat and doing nothing then it would be better for someone else to be put in that place to give a more meaningful contribution to that party.'
Peter Batson, public sector employee: 'I think it's a good idea to pass the MP recall bill. If it is in the best interest of a party then that person who it has lost confidence in should be removed from parliament. If everyone in the party agrees then the member(s) seen as not performing should vacate the seat(s).'
Samuel La Fleur, board secretary: 'I believe the Member of Parliament recall bill should be passed. I think that when a member changes allegiance to a party that elected him/her that person should give up that seat. The party will then be able to find someone else who supports its views.'
L Singh, public servant: 'I don't think the passing of the bill is a bad idea. If someone is not performing then the bill should be passed. It should help the progress of the party. There needs to be transparency though and a justification or reasons why someone who was previously elected should not serve in that capacity anymore.'
Felicity Henry, teacher: 'If such a bill is passed there should be certain conditions that go along with it. If someone is not complying with the rules of the party and parliament then that person's seat should be declared vacant.'
Hazel Austin, proud member of the PNCR/1G: 'My party supports the bill and I support it 100% as well. If someone is not performing well for a party or to the expectation of the people who put him/her there then that person should be removed. There are people who are doing the wrong thing and are in parliament and there is no legislation to remove them.'
Cherisa Samuel, public servant: 'Of course the bill should be passed. One person may disagree with the majority and his view may do more harm than good depending on the circumstance. I believe that anyone who does not give a meaningful contribution to the party and whose members want out should be replaced.'
Paulette Mohan, Clerk: 'I say get rid of those who are not performing. However if that person is performing his/her duties effectively and has a disagreement with another member, this person should not have persons turn against him/her to have that seat be declared vacant.'