During last week’s Budget Debate, Opposition Member of Parliament Cathy Hughes called for a renewed commitment to civility in discourse highlighting the growing concerns over the tone of debates within the National Assembly and public sphere.
Addressing the decline in civility in the society Hughes, a former minister, stressed the vital role that respectful dialogue plays in upholding the integrity of democracy and fostering a productive society.
“Mister Speaker, I now turn to an issue that transcends policy and touches the very fabric of our democracy—the tone of our political discourse,” Hughes said, addressing Parliament with a strong message about the importance of respectful communication.
She expressed deep concern over the rising incivility in parliamentary exchanges and how this trend is beginning to spill over into the broader society.
The former minister, in the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government, underscored the widespread understanding the behavior exhibited in Parliament sets a powerful example for the nation at large. She reminded her fellow lawmakers that their words and actions in the chamber resonate beyond the hallowed halls of the National Assembly, influencing the way citizens interact with one another.
Turning attention to the Government benches, Hughes said “It is unacceptable for behaviour like that exhibited by that honourable member on the other side—targeted, gutter-like remarks aimed at denigrating others—to become normalised in the highest decision-making forum of the land,” Hughes continued, emphasizing the need for dignity and decorum in all parliamentary proceedings.
As part of her appeal for greater civility, Hughes noted the ripple effect that hostile and disrespectful rhetoric in Parliament has on society. She pointed out that children, in particular, are prone to imitating the behaviour they see from their leaders, which can perpetuate a culture of disrespect and conflict in the broader community.
“We did not see this in the behaviour of the parliaments of yesteryear,” she remarked. “It is no coincidence that as incivility rises in this House, we see similar patterns manifesting in the way citizens engage with each other.”
The Minister’s call to action was not just about aesthetics or protocol; it was a practical appeal for a return to civil discourse, which she argued is essential for a harmonious and productive society. “A society where mutual respect is the norm is one where productivity flourishes, where children learn empathy and critical thinking, and where communities work together to solve problems,” she said.
While Hughes stressed the importance of passionate debates, she urged that those debates remain focused on policy and ideas rather than devolving into personal attacks. She called for her colleagues to model the kind of constructive dialogue they wished to see in schools, workplaces, and communities across the country.
To this end the parliamentarian made a powerful plea for leaders to recommit to high standards of decency and respect, both in Parliament and in public life. “Let us restore dignity to our proceedings and, in doing so, uplift our nation. The people of Guyana deserve nothing less than leadership that inspires, discourse that enlightens, and a parliament that embodies the highest standards of decency and decorum,” she urged.
In addition to her call for civility, Hughes also noted several initiatives aimed at national development. However, she emphasised that ensuring these measures are inclusive, adequately funded, and effectively implemented was crucial for the long-term prosperity of the nation.
Her speech concluded on a hopeful note: “Better must come and will come!”
