While explaining the limitations of her office under the constitution, President Paula Mae Weekes assumed the role of a tough-talking “Aunty -Tanty” when she addressed both Houses of Parliament at the newly refurbished Red House on Friday morning.

  President Weekes saying that she holds herself out as the voice for citizens openly chided  Parliamentarians for setting the wrong example which is often replicated in the wider society.

 “So I deliver their message. A message which they feel that neither opposition nor government is hearing or if hearing, ignoring.

“The message is simple as it is poignant, they are hurting. “When acrimony contempt and divisiveness is the example you set there you cannot be surprised when those attitudes and behaviours are replicated on the nation’s roads, in the homes and in the social media.

 “Parliament sets the tone for the average man in the street. If you are seen to treat each other with respect, courtesy and good humour there can be a trickle-down effect and eventual cascade,” she said.

  “In 22 months in Office I have assented to 46 Acts of Parliament and issued 23 Proclamations,” she said noting that both the man in the street and the executive in his office won’t see how it impacts on their circumstances.

 “I received correspondence from members of the public on a daily basis complaining in essence that existing laws do not reflect their serious concerns and that some laws appear to benefit narrow sectarian interests rather than the interests of all,” Madam President said.

 “While parliament and other leaders in the country are dabbling in semantics about whether we are a failed state or in crime crisis our citizen are being murdered at an alarming rate.

  “They lack opportunities for employment or are losing jobs. Food prices are spiralling beyond the reach of many and more and more of our young people are falling into the at-risk category.

 “Citizens are entitled to look to you for and demand solutions to alleviate their pain. They want you to work together for their good.

   “Even the most desperate understand the nature of politics and that some degree of towing the party line posturing, picong and old talk come with the territory but at the end of the day fidelity to the people, our vulnerable women, our defenceless children and our angry young men should be the primary and paramount concern of our parliamentarians.

 Responding to a local Columnist who referred to her as an” Aunty-Tanty,  the president said that  “in my experience, Aunty-Tanty are usually proponents of sober thinking, discipline, good behaviour and deep reflection who use opportune moments to give us timely reminders lest we forget.

    “As  I hold myself out as a voice for citizens, I hope it is not a voice crying out in the wilderness” President Weeks ended her short address to both Houses of Parliament that were gathered for the  pomp and ceremony that accompanied the return to the Red House.