Bruce Golding will be missed

WHEN KEITH Henry lays the mace on the stand for the sitting of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, it could be the last time he does so in the life of this administration.

From all indications, Parliament will be dissolved following Tuesday's sitting. If this happens, it will be the last time nine of the current members of parliament (MP) will be sitting in the House of Representatives (although they may have a change of heart and seek to return from the retirement lounge).

The nine, headed by former prime minister turned backbencher, Bruce Golding, have indicated they would not be seeking re-election in the next polls or have been replaced by their party. Government MPs accompanying Golding to the retirement lounge will be Tarn Peralto (South East St Mary), Joseph Hibbert (East Rural St Andrew) and Dr St Aubyn Bartlett (East St Andrew). On the Opposition side, North West Manchester MP Dean Peart, East Portland representative Dr Donald Rhodd, South East St Andrew's Maxine Henry-Wilson and North Trelawny MP Dr Patrick Harris have all indicated they will be retiring. Kern Spencer of North East St Elizabeth has given no indication that he intends to call curtains on his political career. However, faced with the perils due to corruption and money-laundering charges brought against him as a result of his alleged role in the Cuban lightbulb affair, Spencer has decided to stand down. He, too, will not face the voters this election. In the Senate, Dr Oswald Harding has already indicated he will be leaving public life. The Gavel commends him for the manner in which he managed the affairs in the Upper House, even though at times we believe he could have been more decisive.

It is anybody's guess whether Dorothy Lightbourne will be reappointed to the Senate in the next administration. We know for sure that Desmond McKenzie is leaving the Senate and is virtually assured of being elected to the House to represent the West Kingston constituency.

Biggest loss

Back to the issue of the House retirees. The Gavel, without any fear of contradiction, can declare that Golding's departure represents the biggest loss. His knowledge of the standing orders is second to none; his eloquence is unmatched; and his presentations are often well thought out. However, Golding's 'I am brighter than you' predisposition, at times made him his worst enemy. He would unnecessarily get himself in trouble. And because of his ability to vacillate, Golding often came across as a man who knows how to walk between the raindrops.

The House will also miss the presence and experience of a Henry Wilson; the solid Rhodd and the new but fast-learning and ever-participating Peralto. It is a shame that Henry-Wilson kept quiet so often because on the occasions that she participated, the House benefited tremendously from her input. Peart will be missed, not only for his contributions, which were sadly infrequent, but also his sharp wit and ability to throw barbs across the floor without being disrespectful.

Hibbert hardly spoke; Dr Bartlett said a lot but, unfortunately, did not distinguish himself as a legislator; and neither did Harris, whose interventions pained the ears. Spencer seemed to have redefined MP to mean missing person, as he was seldom in the House. The Gavel would be surprised if Hansard has recorded much more than the tears he shed when Clive Mullings unveiled the lightbulb scandal in November 2007.

He has hardly been present to answer his name, and when he is in the House he usually did not get involved.

In the meantime, there is a strong possibility that many of the persons elected in 2007 may be fired by the voters come election day. Serves some of them right! We hope that as parliamentary hopefuls jostle for the 63 seats in the Lower House, they will find it within themselves to answer the Henry-Wilson question. Are you a leader or a delegate? It is such a pity the delegate MPs have not opted for voluntary retirement. The Gavel, nonetheless, is confident that the voters, in their collective wisdom, will decide the kind of leadership the country requires when they next go to the polls.

gavel@gleanerjm.com