The opposition Parliamentarians looked bright, excited and optimistic, the women in their beautiful hats following the tradition of the dress code implemented by the former Speaker emeritus Alix Boyd Knights. Bless their hearts for those who believe in the hope that things will get better in Dominica, they represented that hope.
These members of parliament must be commended for their courage, their level of tolerance and yes their confidence in their Government, and their ability to endure abuse humiliation, and their belief that there is a legitimate, democratic Government in Dominica. They were left in the difficult and precarious position of having to legitimize a Government they claimed was illegitimate.
It is almost comical to witness the unrealistic optimism, the members should know that they have no power to be demanding or calling for anything from the Roosevelt dictatorship government even if they have the responsibility, but what can they do even when they know that all their requests, demands, calls are futile and will fall on death ears just like the all times?
Hon. Linton is calling for an audit of the Rapid Response Social Recovery Agency, the statutory body which was established in 2018 by the Dominica Labour Party (DLP) government to provide urgent public support to citizens.
Senator Francisca Joseph is calling for an audit of the audit and reorganization of the social programs which is order, no one can argue that these are not good calls along with the many more the opposition will continue to make.
The question remains will dictator Roosevelt heed any of their calls? Will anyone on the Government side support their calls? My guess is everything is going to be the same ole, same ole, maybe even worse this time since the last election has emboldened and empowered the dictator more than he was before that last election.
Notwithstanding that the opposition has to perform the role that they must which is to question the government of the day and hold them accountable to the public. They are responsible for challenging the policies of the government and producing different policies where appropriate.
Any DEMOCRATIC Government has to remain answerable to the public at all times, and a good Opposition can put the spotlight on serious issues and have them resolved, but can Dominica say it has a democratic Government?
The opposition is also charged with debating legislation vigorously in the House and during the Select Committee process to ensure the legislation receives careful consideration as this opposition has been doing and will continue to do, but when they power of the opposition is so limited and Government Parliamentarians serve a dictator instead of their constituents and their country, we should not expect any positive results that benefit the country.
We wish the opposition well, we admire their courage, the representation of hope, their optimism, but we cannot lose sight of the reality. Their tenure will be one of humiliation, frustration, ridicule and an exercise of futility.
However, the opposition supporters must continue to hang in there with them. They have no other choice. The alternative is much scarier!