The jury is still out on whether or not the proceedings of the House of Assembly, being available to the general public in real time, is a positive or a negative thing. Watching and listening to individuals verbally assault each other in this “honourable house” has made almost a new “verbal” contact sport.

If you had the opportunity to hear the banter between the members during the morning and afternoon sessions on Friday past, you would really wonder whether or not you were watching a mixed martial arts bout without the fists and feet being thrown.

I do not think anyone elects individuals to represent us in the House of Assembly to put on a show at our expense. While this may not have been the intent, the students from Salina Point, Acklins had front row seats at the verbal sparring match that went on between the Member for Yamacraw, Melanie Griffith and the Member for Marco City, Zhivargo Laing.

During this battle of words, the students were introduced to the term “Point of Order.” It is on a point of order that a member of parliament can stand and interrupt another member who is speaking. However, to interrupt a member, the individual must have a valid reason and these reasons are outlined in the rules and regulations that govern the proceedings of the House of Assembly.

While the rules are clearly defined for the members to use and abide by, many sit and heckle those with opposing points of view. And, it is in the midst of all the heckling that the member must attempt to make a valuable contribution to the House.

The member from Yamacraw had to repeat what she said at least three times because she was repeatedly interrupted by members on the opposing side, who at first, did not rise on a point of order. Once the opposing members were able to site the reason for the point of order, they were then able to request the member from Yamacraw to withdraw her assertion.

As I watched all of this in dismay, I wondered what it would be like if persons were only allowed to interrupt each other on a “Point of Order.” This means that one could only interrupt another for very specific valid reasons.

This may be a very idealistic view to have, but I think it is worth a second thought. You should be made to give a very good reason to interject your thoughts while someone else is speaking. This rule should hold especially true for children when interacting with adults.

Perhaps children would learn to wait their turn to speak or act appropriately, if they saw adults behaving similarly. However, if they were ever to watch the Parliamentary Channel what they would learn is how to show little or no regard to someone who is speaking.

Watching the Parliamentary Channel, children will learn that some adults speak when others are speaking. Children will also learn how to make unsubstantiated allegations and accusations towards another person while viewing this “educational” channel.

The 2007/2008 budget calls for the Speaker of the House to be paid $80,000. When I first heard this, I thought this salary was too exorbitant for someone just sitting in a high back chair wearing a funny looking wig. However, after watching a few “rounds” on Friday, I think he will be working very hard for every penny of that inflated salary.

So this week I rise on a point of order and challenge you all to maneuver yourselves very carefully. Speak what you know to be true and act in the way that is appropriate and acceptable for your environment and position in life.

Remember, if you do not have a valid reason to interject, hold your tongue and be silent. It is not necessary to rebut everything, but if it is required, stand on a point of order and speak your truth.

About the author: Joye Ritchie-Greene is an Educational Consultant, Writer and Martial Arts Instructor. She is the owner/operator of The Bahamas Martial Arts Academy; president of Time-Out Productions; and is also a columnist for the Freeport News. She has a B.A. in English and an M.S. in Human Resources, resides in Freeport, Grand Bahama with her husband and enjoys playing tennis. Joye can be reached at joye_hel_ena@hotmail.com