And, it wasn't long before she was forced to exert her authority over two of the senators participating in Thursday's session.
A focal point of the session was the repealing of the National
Reconstruction Levy which comes to an end on January 1, 2009. In his
presentation, Senator Glen Noel brushed aside suggestions by the
Opposition that the NRL would be replaced by another tax. He further
stated that revenues anticipated from the implementation of the
recently announced Tax Amnesty would aid in filling the gap.
It was shortly thereafter that the youthfulness and immaturity of Sen. Devon
Rachae became evident, as he appeared to be headed in the same direction
which former Youth Minister, Emmalyn Pierre has gone. Click
here to listen to Rache.
As you may have heard in that excerpt, Senator Rachae's disrespect for the President didn't go unnoticed.
Following their emergence into frontline politics --- historic moments
which brought high hopes to the Grenadian people that the face of local
politics would see a positive change, they have both become
contaminated by rhetoric, arrogance and political grandstanding.
Senator Rache's outbursts and rhetoric have become the talk of town -- something of which he is no doubt very proud, while failing to realize that the talk is not very complimentary.
It is clear that both of these individuals, determined to emulate the
seniors on their side of the political landscape, have resorted to the
posturing, rhetoric and even the use of some of the same words and phrases
for which their leader has become so well known.
For many Grenadians who had looked upon these two young personalities
as a potential breath of fresh air, this must be very disappointing.
Meanwhile, a close eye will be kept on another young senator who has
just made her debut and appears ready to lift the bar in Grenadian
politics. In a very brief, and lady-like presentation, Senator Pemba
Braveboy made her contribution a model of what Grenadians should expect
from their representatives in both Houses. Click
here to listen to Braveboy
Needless to say, as the debate on the repealing of the National
Reconstruction Levy continued, government Senator, Arley Gill responded
to the earlier outburst by Rachae. He too, had to be admonished by the
President as the sitting turned into a "battle of the youth." Click
here to listen to Gill
Grenadians voted for change, and it is high time that losers respect
the will of the people, let go of the past, quit being so juvenile, and
charted the future. Meanwhile, the Grenadian people will also be
watching intently to see how far the new majority in both Houses will
be prepared to go to lift the calibre of debate to the next level.
