The first time I met House Speaker Andy Daniel I faced him while uncomfortably lodged in one of the three leather chairs in his office on the opposite side of his desk. He looked unfamiliar without his overwhelming robes as my eyes searched for the Mace that I imagined was ever present in his company. I learned later that it was in his office but hidden in a massive wooden case.
He asked me what I thought he could do to get more young people to attend House of Assembly sittings. My response reflected how I thought Saint Lucians felt towards the matter. “I think our politicians need to be more serious, then maybe people will be more inclined to listen. Maybe it would help if the adults showed more interest in House proceedings.”
It was his view that actually being present at House sittings was more exciting than watching them on TV or via Facebook. The House chamber is surprisingly spacious. Still, it is possible to hear even the MPs’ murmurings, their backchats and so on from the press box and gallery. Visitors can also see the facial expressions usually not covered by the House cameras. Not to be missed are the bows to the Speaker whenever attendees enter and leave the chamber. There is also the restrictive dress code, especially in the case of females. But scant regard is paid to the gross behaviour of MPs, the insults they toss at each other and the allegations of corruption.
On Tuesday the Speaker brought to the attention of the House that the seats in the public gallery were all “well populated with the citizenry of blessed Helen of the West”. What made this remarkable had nothing to do with what I had suggested to the Speaker at our recalled first meeting. The draw was a Motion of No Confidence in Prime Minister Allen Chastanet brought by the leader of the opposition.
Clearly all it takes to get a full House is the promise of drama. Political drama. On Tuesday the action outside the House reminded of street parties, with people dressed to suit. Meanwhile, inside, the Speaker was saying: “It has always been my desire, and hopefully it will continue to be, that fellow Saint Lucians will take the opportunity to visit the honourable House to see their members, the people that they elect into office. So, members of the gallery, it should not be for this moment only that you find yourself in these august chambers of our island. Saint Lucians, I say to you, this is your House, this is your chamber, let’s populate it to see your members at work.” At least there was one thing about Tuesday that gave Mr Speaker at least a moment’s pleasure.
