Joanne Massiah, leader of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA), has sharply criticized the Antigua opposition’s decision to boycott the December budget debate, opting instead for the formation of a “mock parliament.”
Massiah condemned the move, asserting that elected parliamentarians neglected their serious responsibilities and undermined the Westminster system of government.
Massiah emphasized the gravity of managing a country’s resources, stating, “It is a serious business—the business of the people. Making a mockery of the Westminster system and elected representation is regrettable and must be rejected by the people.”
Expressing concern about the deterioration of parliamentary decorum, Massiah questioned the motivations behind the opposition’s decision, suggesting that convening a mock parliament could be a strategy to gain applause within an echo chamber.
She remarked, “I thought to myself that we have regrettably degenerated to a place in this country where elected parliamentarians are making a mockery of the Westminster system of government.”
Massiah stressed that such practices should be reserved for groups like the youth parliament and students honing their debate skills.
She urged serious elected representatives, whether in government or opposition, to focus on the critical task of handling the people’s business, saying, “Leave that kind of mock Parliament practice to those groups, those organizations. Not by serious people who should be serious people.”
“The people must reject this kind of politics that the opposition seems intent on practicing,” Massiah declared, calling on citizens to demand seriousness from their elected representatives.
