What is Parliament coming to?
published: Friday | December 12, 2003

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I MUST express to you the shock and horror I felt after reading the article 'Pandemonium in the House', printed on December 10, 2003. The very idea that a Member of Parliament would grab the Mace and attempt to use it to block the doorway so as to prevent the other members of the House from leaving is an insult not only to our system of government but also to the people of Jamaica.

Did the honorable member feel that this was the only way for him to express himself, that a physical altercation with his fellow members and improper use of the Mace, the symbol of authority, was the only thing he could think of to solve this problem? I am sorry but I do not find this funny at all, the honorable member owes the people of Jamaica an apology and disciplinary action should be taken. If Mr. Edmund Bartlett wants to act like a schoolboy on a playground then he should be treated as such, his actions show a lack of respect for all.

The issue here is not whether the House was or was not adjourned because I am sure there are procedures to deal with such a situation, but as grown men and women, the members of the House should set the right example and follow proper procedures.

Mr. Edmund Bartlett I am disappointed in your behaviour and I expect an apology at your earliest convenience.

I am, etc.,

ANDRE A. STEWART

wumpscut@jamaicans.com

New York, New York

Via Go-Jamaica