STATEMENT BY THE OFFICIAL OPPOSITION REGARDING THE PRIME MINISTER'S CONDUCT IN PARLIAMENT DURING THE 2006 BUDGET DEBATE

As Her Majesty's loyal Opposition, we strongly condemn the despicable and embarrassing display by the Honourable Prime Minster, in Parliament - our supreme democratic institution- on Wednesday, January 25th 2006, during his closing remarks in the 2006 budget debate. During those remarks, the Prime Minister degraded the dignity and integrity of our Parliament.

He abused his parliamentary privilege to, among other things, descend into virulent personal attacks on other members of the House of Representatives; make comments with strong racist connotations regarding one foreign national; and make allegations of others in language best suited for the toilet.

This display by the Prime Minister took place while thousands of Grenadians, including our youth and students, watched or listened in horror, since the debate was carried live on television and radio. Moreover, thousands of people around the world may have been listening to the debate via the internet. In theory, this could have included Grenadian nationals living abroad; members of the international donor community, potential investors, officials from the regional and international multi- lateral institutions and even other heads of Government. Many Grenadians have expressed shock and dismay at the Prime Minister's conduct.

We share those sentiments entirely. Furthermore, we believe that even the members of the House of Representatives on the government side would have found his conduct shameful. Indeed, it is a widely held view that the conduct displayed by the Prime Minister is an affront to the pride and integrity of all Grenadians.

Such conduct simply cannot be condoned. We believe that it is incumbent on all parliamentarians to uphold the dignity and integrity of our Parliament and to ensure that it is not brought into disrepute. We therefore call on the Prime Minister to apologise to the nation for this reprehensible conduct. As the government in waiting, we pledge to uphold the highest ethical and moral standards in the conduct of our nation's business.