Home / Politics / Atherley 'draws blanks' in House question time
Atherley 'draws blanks' in House question time
Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley has expressed concern that his parliamentary questions posed to several ministers have gone unanswered.
He told the House of Assembly this afternoon of his frustration at having not received answers at all, or in some cases "accurate" answers.
His comments came during debate on a resolution to adopt the report of the House Standing Orders Committee, which would for the first time see ministers being questioned by fellow lawmakers and the Opposition Leader on the Estimates, when debate begins next week.
While the initiative was welcomed by all, Atherley said he was concerned that while he may ask questions during the process, he might not receive adequate answers.
Atherley said: "They have expressed the view that it is a wonderful opportunity for the Leader of the Opposition to get to ask questions of ministers. Repeatedly I have heard it said by many of those speakers that this is a wonderful opportunity for the Opposition's voice to be able to ask questions in this House.
"I am reassured in hearing that today, because I was beginning to form the view that my questions asked in this House constituted a nuisance and were stirring a spirit of intolerance on the other side when those questions were raised, because I have raised several over the last several months and the responses coming at the time from those who chose to respond suggested that I could better otherwise have used the House's time and my time."
Atherley said he had previously asked Prime Minister Mia Mottley to disclose information regarding the Whiteoaks advisory group.
He said he had sought to find out what it was being paid to do and how much it was being paid by the Government.
"To date I have not been properly answered on that matter," he said.
He recalled that he sought to find out from Attorney General Dale Marshall if any of Government's financial or economic advisors were being paid in excess of $300 000 annually, but here again he drew a blank.
Atherley also pointed out that he had questioned whether there should be any fears of impending cuts in the public sector before the layoffs had occurred, only to be told that no such fears were necessary.
Hundreds of Barbadians were later sent home, Atherley told fellow lawmakers.
"So you may have a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, but it could very well be that questions are not answered, or that questions are not answered accurately," Atherley said.
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14 thoughts on "Atherley 'draws blanks' in House question time"
Traitor Joe: "…because I have raised several [questions] over the last several months [and got no answers]…."
The reason you might not have been "properly answered" is because your questions were "rhetorical" in nature. In addition, as Leader of the Opposition, you already possess the answers to the questions you posed.
However, you can now reserve your litany of questions for the Estimates debate which would, for the first time, see ministers and technocrats being questioned by fellow lawmakers and the opposition leader on the Estimates. So just do not waste this groundbreaking opportunity with trivial questions, because answers will be provided.
This new format is in keeping with this BLP administration bringing a greater level of dialogue and transparency to Government business, never before seen in the parliamentary process. It is something to surely find favor with the public and political pressure groups in waiting.
And as calypsonian Classic sang: "Bring your questions, [we] got answers!"
Romeo Hinkson
You have a right to ask any questions but they have the right to answer or don't answer that is only talk and windows dressing you would never get much answers out of them
T. Seems
@Judas; you were asked the reason when you deserted your party and you gave your answer which you knew were not so but you gave an answer, that`s why no one in your constitution believed you and you can`t expect to be supported again, but they can`t say you did not gave an answer, Joe.
johnny crow
Joseph Atherley, and Carl (Liz Thompson) Harper, are two peas in a pod.He served as Minister of State during Owen Arthur's reign, Carl/Liz the Minister of Energy and Housing where most contracts were allegedly given to her contrator husband. Joe Atherley was one of the craftsmen of BERT the killer programme. I assume Carl/Liz was also, given her closeness and fondness of the Queen Bee. What does this fake Leader of the Official Opposition in Parliament expect, from his former bosom mates. All part of the massive poppet show. Noticeably the cast are all big fat cats formerly and presently members of the slick BLP.
Christine Noel
I voted BLP and I would Vote BLP again today because I believe they have the best vision to move us forward …… however questions MUST be answered!
Fedup
Joe looking fuh answers. Lololol
Deborah King
The traitor on his way up to the Parliament building.
Lionel Gittens
Stupseeee
Saga boy
MAM promised transparency. The Government also promised that they would disclose the salaries of all the Consultants. I am still waiting for that information.
Peter R Rock
Why you don't call a bye election and answer the people….no one didn't vote for you to be opposition leader they vote Mia for prime minister
Veroniva Boyce
Saga Boy wouldn't understand transparency if transparency slap him in the face. He likes the tired old ways of that tired old party which was retired and now lying in state at the mausoleum
in George Street
Tennyson Drakes
JONHHY CROW: You bad then.
To all of the nay Sayers: THE DLP WILL BE BACK.