All Jokes aside, I was shocked by what I read in MP Dale Marshal’s statement as it relates to what transpired between him and Minister David Estwick in the now infamous “Parliament Gun Incident”, whether you are a “B” “D” or a “Q” any right thinking Barbadian should be appalled of the manner in which this altercation allegedly unfolded in our honored halls of parliament.

In this social climate in which we live, where there is much discourse on “who is a good role model for our kids”, it is blatantly obvious that what is in Parliament masquerading as honorable ministers falls far short of providing such, unless we want our children to grow up to be thugs and uncouth louts.
All the talk about how Vibes Kartel and Movado would influence our youth, we already had negative influences of a higher order right here in our parliament waiting to rear its ugly head, or gun.

Lets look at some of the highlights of this Parliament incident shall we?

One minister shouting at the other “I am going to slap you cross your head”

“come back outside if you is a bad”

A minister displaying a gun menacingly and bellowing “I ready for you now”

Is this what is in Parliament running the affairs of our country? Is this what we are sending overseas to represent Barbados?

Not only is the behaviour puerile but it is also dangerous, When a gun is involved one can never tell when an “accident” might occur, though it would seem to me the language used might indicate any accident would be in fact deliberate.
When Parliament in its warped wisdom also refused to put a gun policy in place, is another negative sign that was sent to the Barbadian public, that decision can be seen as a ministerial endorsement of the gun.

When I read of the behavior of our politicians in “the gun” incident I feel a certain degree of shame.
Throughout the course of my plebeian existence as an entertainer, I have participated in meetings that were extremely contentious and volatile in nature and none have ever sunk to a level where I was threatened with a “come outside if I bad”.

There are many examples of good leadership examples that we have to follow,let me give you a few, Senator Branford Taitt, Dr Allyson Leacock, Sir Roy Trotman and our own Prime Minister David Thompson, these are examples of people who express themselves eloquently and can command attention and authority without having to shout or invite you to come outside and fight.

I think it’s time the good men and women of our Parliament pull themselves in check and recognize the responsible role they play as leaders of our country and as examples to our citizens, not just the youth but too everyone.

I write this blog with the full knowledge that for Boyce Voicing my views, I too might be Minister disciplined with a “slap round my head” for my effrontery.
But someone needs to impress on our “Honorable” ministers to leave out the puerile and bombastic behavior and proceed with the business of running to country in a dignified and respectful manner befitting of your position.