St. George’s, September 18, 2009 (GIS) – A promise of continuous assessments and training has been made as part of an attempt aimed at strengthening Grenada’s parliamentary system. The nation needs a robust parliament that would be “much more than a place of fruitless ventilation,’’ House Speaker George McGuire said in an address marking the celebration of International Day of Democracy. “We have set new benchmarks for the Grenada Parliament which we hope will strengthen our procedures and advance our developmental goals,” said Mr. McGuire. “We are committed to the best practices of parliamentary democracy. I expect there will be continuous assessment and training to ensure that parliamentary democracy is not opened to distortion.” Mr. McGuire highlighted the need for a certain level of decorum in the House of Representatives by both government and opposition MPs, saying public perception and respect for parliament are important determinants of the health of our parliamentary democracy. "Parliament does not exist only to transact State business," said the Speaker and former Member of Parliament himself. He described parliament as a “forum in which all legitimate points of view can be expressed," adding also that “good government demands strong advocacy on the part of parliamentary representatives as they lobby to meet the needs of their constituents.” Mr. McGuire assured Grenadians that all will be done to ensure that our parliamentary democracy is not left opened to manipulation, such as being a mere “rubber stamp’’ for government decisions. He said having a parliamentary opposition is of paramount importance in upholding good governance, and advocated for the preserving and enhancing of the role of House members sitting across the aisle from those in government. “Grenada needs a strong parliament, one whose purpose is not only to legislate but also to ventilate views on national issues,’’ said Mr. McGuire. Parliamentary activities must not be viewed by the public as “ineffective and pointless,” he warned.