Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has criticized the opposition’s approach during recent parliamentary debates, calling out their lack of preparedness and engagement on critical national issues. Speaking on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show, Fernandez described their actions as disappointing, particularly given the significance of the discussions at hand.
“Last year, they claimed that they didn’t have enough time to prepare,” Fernandez said. “This year, they had the time, but they weren’t prepared.”
He highlighted an incident involving Barbuda MP Hon. Trevor Walker, who admitted to attending the session without his notes. “Walker says he came without his notes,” Fernandez remarked.
Fernandez also pointed to a statement from the Leader of the Opposition during the budget debate. “The Prime Minister mentioned that the Leader of the Opposition said to him, ‘You could wrap up,’” he stated.
The minister noted that water and roads remain major concerns for citizens, yet the opposition failed to challenge the relevant ministers who presented on these topics. “The irony is that the two ministers responsible for water and roads made presentations, and not one of them could have gotten up to challenge or question them,” Fernandez said.
He also criticized their debate strategy. “If you have questions on tourism, for example, you should speak before the minister of tourism and say, ‘When you get up, I want you to answer this, this, and that,’” Fernandez explained. “But if you wait until after I speak, I have no chance to rebut. That is what I think is important.”
Fernandez expressed disappointment in what he viewed as inconsistent behavior from the opposition. “When anything good happens, they say it’s because of the technicians in the ministry. But when anything bad happens, the minister must take responsibility,” he said. “You can’t have it both ways.”
The minister urged for more meaningful and constructive participation from opposition members, emphasizing the importance of robust parliamentary debate in addressing national concerns.