I have been present at most of the sittings of the parliamentary subcommittee reviewing the proposed change to current abortion legislation.

Apart from the very early sittings, most of the members of the committee, comprising MPs and senators from both political parties, have demonstrated a lack of commitment to the process.

Poor attendance rate

At the last sitting I attended, on January 29, by 10:30 a.m. only the chairman and three members were present for a 10 a.m. start. There was a 'swelling' of numbers by an additional one by 10:50 a.m., and out of a total of 16 members, a mere 31 per cent representation.

Just yesterday, a group of presenters walked out on the sitting as a sign of protest, with only six of 16 present. Enough is enough.

My own statistical 'perfor-mance-rating' from the eight meetings (nine in total) for which I have data, a total of 70 appearances of a total 128 possible for all members were recorded, some 55 per cent approximately. The last three sessions being 17 out of a possible 48, or about 35 per cent.

Apart from the poor attendance rate, we see the streaming procession of latecomers, when they decide to grant us the privilege of their presence, and the constant interruption by cellphone calls.

If this is not a failing grade, then what is?

Attendance is not the substantive and weighty issue, but is it indicative of our parlia-mentary leaders commitment, or lack thereof?

They are there to hear, be informed, ask the necessary questions, on our behalf, and after careful personal and collective deliberations, recommend on the appropriate law governing the crucial issue of abortion for the people of this nation, whom they have sworn to serve.

I commend the faithful few who have been there, but to the rest, you must do better or step aside and make way for those who will serve us.

Performance in Parliament

For the chairman to reprimand those present about the perfor-mance of the absentees is preaching to the converted.

Where are our prime minister and opposition leader in keeping these members of the joint select committee accountable in fulfilling the nation's business?

We speak boldly about the imperative to introduce perfor-mance-based pay systems to bring about a change in the work ethic and improve results in Jamaica.

Maybe if our politicians were rewarded according to their performance, the country would see measurably greater progress and better 'overall grades'.

I am, etc.,

RICHARD DELISSER

richied100@gmail.com

Jacks Hill, St Andrew