IN any functioning democracy, the Parliament is a sacred space. It is the ultimate arena of national decision-making, where laws are passed, policies debated, and the nation鈥檚 future is charted. In Trinidad and Tobago, however, that space has increasingly become a theatre of personal attacks, petty quarrels, and political drama. This alarming trend is not only undermining public confidence in our elected officials but is reducing Parliament to a spectacle more reminiscent of a street corner bacchanal than a bastion of democracy.
Watching a sitting of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago today often feels like tuning into a reality show. Theatrics, insults, walkouts, shouting matches, and unprofessional conduct have come to dominate the headlines far more than constructive policy discussions or legislative breakthroughs. Where we should be hearing proposals for education reform, crime prevention strategies, and economic development plans, we are instead subjected to finger-pointing, mudslinging, and childish interruptions.
The recent confrontations, both verbal and procedural, between members of the government and the opposition have revealed how deeply Parliament has veered off course. When questions are asked, they are often dodged or met with sarcastic remarks. When answers are given, they are laden with spin and bluster rather than clarity. Opposition Members of Parliament seem more concerned with scoring points against the government than with offering viable alternatives, while government Ministers treat legitimate concerns from the opposition as irritants rather than opportunities for accountability. Is this what representation of the people has come to mean?
It is disheartening to witness Members of Parliament elected to represent the will and welfare of the people using the floor as a stage for ego-driven performances. The constant heckling, loud interjections, and disregard for decorum reflect a disturbing disrespect not just for each other, but for the very institution they serve. The Parliament is not a lime on the block, nor is it a Carnival fete where the loudest voice wins. It is not a place for personal vendettas or political theatre. It is the place where the most serious matters facing our society should be tackled with sobriety and maturity.
Consider for a moment the ordinary citizen who tunes in to follow a debate on an important national issue, say, crime legislation or budget allocation. What message do they receive when, instead of hearing solutions or insightful contributions, they are bombarded by personal insults and procedural chaos? This kind of behaviour chips away at public trust in the democratic process. It fuels political cynicism. It drives young people away from civic engagement. And worst of all, it delays the very decisions and actions needed to improve the lives of everyday people.
The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago needs to be reminded of its purpose. It is not a social club. It is not a battleground for settling old scores. It is a working institution charged with the responsibility of improving the nation. The Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate must be smooth in enforcing the rules of order. Members must be held accountable for their conduct. Censure and suspension should not be empty threats but real consequences for those who disrupt proceedings or engage in disrespectful behaviour.
Furthermore, political parties must take the lead in promoting a culture of respect and professionalism among their MPs. It is not enough to blame the other side for the drama. Leaders on both sides must rise above pettiness and instruct their members to engage in productive, evidence-based debate. The people of this country are fed up. They want solutions, not scandal. They want leadership, not licks.
The issues facing Trinidad and Tobago are too urgent and too complex to be left in the hands of parliamentarians more interested in grandstanding than in governing. From crime and economic inequality to climate change and corruption, we need bold, informed, and united action. That will never happen in a chamber consumed by hostility and spectacle.
Let us also remember that decorum in Parliament is not about being boring or stiff. It is about showing the nation that our leaders are capable of serious thought, respectful disagreement, and focused decision-making. It is about restoring the dignity of the office and demonstrating that Parliament is a place where the needs of the people come first not the egos of politicians.
At a time when our country is struggling to find common ground and restore a sense of purpose, Parliament must lead by example. The drama must stop. The grandstanding must end. The Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago must return to its true role: a chamber of service, vision, and leadership.
To those who sit in that historic building in the Red House, take heed: the people are watching. The nation is waiting. And history will not be kind to those who wasted the opportunity to do good, simply because they couldn鈥檛 rise above the bacchanal.
The author is a Political Science Student at The University of the West Indies Global Campus in St Augustine