In a history-making event, the youngest Anguillian Parliamentarian, Mr. Jose Vanterpool, addressed the newly-elected Jamaican Parliament in a virtual Post-Election Seminar which he led on Tuesday, November 18.
Mr. Vanterpool, who holds a Masters of Engineering Degree in Computer Science, is a former Nominated Member and Deputy Speaker of the Anguilla House of Assembly. He is also an Island-wide Elected Representative of the Anguilla United Front in the Anguilla House of Assembly; and is a member of the Public Accounts Committee. In addition, he holds a professional development certificate in parliamentary practice and international good governance – having attended such a course in Canada held by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
He was grateful to the CPA-UK, and the Jamaican Parliament, for affording him the honour and privilege to lead the first session of the 2020 Jamaican Post Election Seminar. He spoke on “Constitutional and Legal Framework of Parliamentary Democracy”, the theme of the seminar.
In a Facebook post afterwards, Mr. Vanterpool said he spoke on the role of the constitution; sources of parliamentary procedure; parliamentary privilege; the core functions of parliamentarians: representation, legislation and oversight; key enablers of parliamentary democracies; standing orders; and the development of parliament as an institution.
He added in his post: “Following the presentation, we had an engaging and insightful discussion surrounding the topics presented in the context of both the Jamaican and Anguillian parliaments.”
During the course of his delivery, the Anguillian Parliamentarian told his Jamaican counterparts they have to balance two styles of representation: one as a delegate and the other as a trustee, as well as consult often and effectively with the people they represent. He cautioned that the people they represent “will ultimately do your performance evaluation before the next election, and determine if you will be re-elected.”
He advised that laws introduced by parliamentarians “should aim to achieve the best, fairest, and most just law possible for the constituents of Jamaica to whom the laws apply.” He continued: “The legislature should provide a meaningful opportunity for legislators to publicly debate bills before a vote is cast. Debate of bills proposed by the Government/Cabinet should be scrutinised very carefully by you, on behalf of your constituents, whether you are a member of the Government, Opposition or an Independent Member.”
Mr. Vanterpool, who sits on the Opposition side of the Anguilla House of Assembly, and plans to introduce private legislation later on, told the Jamaican Parliamentarians: “Scrutiny and consultation with your constituents are necessary to allow you to debate the bills intelligently when they are proposed by the Government. Opposition to bills should not be solely for opposition sake – or to gain political points or one-upmanship. From my experience, observing parliamentary proceedings, I’ve come to the conclusion that this strategy is at best a double-edged sword. Opposition to bills should be productive, constructive, and intended to improve the bills through the process of filing amendments in accordance with the rules laid down in Standing Orders. This is while the bills are still in committee stage and before their third reading when they are passed.”
Mr. Vanterpool spoke to some extent on parliamentary oversight through the work of the Public Accounts Committee; asking questions in accordance with the standing orders; and through private member motions.
Another important part of his presentation was on the role of the Speaker. He told the Jamaican parliamentary members: “The Speaker has a role in maintaining balance, protecting the minority and ensuring adequate participation in the processes of the parliament. Here in Anguilla, we are currently seeking to do this further by amending our standing orders to provide a special section on the agenda dedicated to Opposition business and the introduction of private members’ bills.”
He added: “In conclusion, while it is important for members to obey the rules, respect the traditions and generally conduct themselves with integrity, honesty – and show respect for self, other members and your constituents – the greater duty is communication with your constituents. You are their representatives. That means despite what we may want to believe, they are our bosses. If you don’t believe me, wait until next election.”
