FOR the third session running Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has been missing from the budget debates ongoing in the National Assembly. Jagdeo is understood to be on an overseas trip in Europe.Concerns have now been raised as to whether Jagdeo will be back from his overseas sojourn in time to commence his scheduled presentation during the budget debates on Friday. Jagdeo is scheduled to be the second speaker on Friday following APNU+AFC’s Joseph Harmon, Minister of State who is slated to open the sitting.
It has been observed by this publication that the Opposition Leader spends minimal time in the Assembly during sittings, preferring instead to lounge in the member’s lounge while the business of the house is being conducted. One Member of the Parliament who did not wish to be identified was of the view that Jagdeo’s non-medical absence from Parliament demonstrates contempt for the highest legislative body in the land. “As Leader of the Opposition, he should show leadership and present himself for this critical debate but he chooses to go overseas on a jaunt, refusing to present himself and represent his constituents,” the MP said. “When President David Granger was Leader of the Opposition he showed respect for the Parliament and always presented himself for the sittings, that is true leadership and representation,” the MP said.
In a statement Jagdeo’s office said that he was in Rome on Monday to chair the Steering Committee of COFO in preparation for its 23 session in July , 2016. COFO is the Committee on Forests of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation. The office said he will participate in the budget debate.