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{
    "id": 661064,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/661064/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 305,
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    "content": "This is the one thing that we, as a country, need to express. I am sorry to say this, but today I look at the lawyers and the way they fight left, right and centre and then tell us that there is a crisis. My question is: Did we just replace the British Constitution with an American Constitution, which is confusing us? That is why we must go back to our own values and traditions. As much as we want to bury our heads in the sand and say that we do not need amendments to this Constitution, I think we need critical amendments. That way, all these moral rights that we are then talking about can align themselves in that Constitution. We will then be able to express ourselves as an African country that believes in Pan-Africanism. Clause 32(1) and (2) of the Bill says:- “The owners shall consider a user agreement application and determine whether to – (a) reject the application; or (b) accept the application and enter into negotiations for a written authorized user agreement, in relation to the application within a specified period of sixty days. (2) The holders shall inform the national Government and the county government, in writing, of their decision and the Authority shall inform the applicant of the holders’ decision, in writing.” That is where I would wish that we clarify, so that you do not find yourself in conflict with indigenous people, the law, the county and the national Government. It means that someone is applying for rights to property and traditional customs. This has to come out clearly, so that the owners of traditional knowledge and cultural expressions understand before entering into any agreement. I believe that there should be an agreement on compensation, fees, royalties and other payments. Clause 34 stipulates clearly what is needed. The Somali Community, for example, believes in verbal agreements, which are taken very seriously. Therefore, it is important to appreciate the noble way of doing things and agree on some of these things. As we amend this Bill, we must consider clear verbal agreements amongst the indigenous people. People should also respect the agreements made by clans which carry penalties against those who breach them. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, finally, as a country, we are losing our moral values, characters and changing our attitudes. We look at our country in a different way. Every morning we find ourselves tweeting about serious issues on our phones. Our neighbouring countries are running away because they are questioning our moral values. Countries like Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania have protected their cultural values and morals. They fear our country because we have become so ‘westernized’ that they wonder whether they will get the same respect from us that they receive within their own country. Therefore, we should safeguard our morals and traditions. We should be less ‘westernized’ and appreciate that we are Africans. Whenever Mr. Trump, one of the presidential candidates in the United States of America (USA), speaks you can clearly tell that he is a real American. Therefore, this Bill brings back the pride and belief in being African. Africa will achieve much if we appreciate what God has given us. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I beg to support. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate"
}