THE EDITOR, Sir:
PUTTING ASIDE any partisan feelings we may have, the fact is that those who are elected or appointed to the hallowed halls of our Parliament are the leaders of our nation. We expect at all times that our leaders will set an example and a pattern of conduct that will not put us to shame.
When our leaders (JLP & PNP) speak on the international stage and they are respected, that is in fact respect to us as a people as well. When they behave in a manner that is not befitting their high office then it is not only them that the bad light shines upon it is all Jamaicans as well.
I believe that while an apology was given to the House that another apology is also needed to us as Jamaicans. Simply to apologise and to 'lay the matter to rest' is to my mind not sufficient. The reality is that we have a crisis of behaviour in this island.
So we allow an apology and what then do we say to the next set of young people who will choose to disregard authority at school, home and community? Really what do we say! And when the next community decides to block roads or take the law into their own hands what will our leaders say?
It certainly is not good enough to say that our political leaders are products of their community. The fact is, where are the standards to come from?
I am neither ashamed nor afraid to say shame, shame on all of those in Gordon House that either participated in or condoned that type of behaviour. While legally you have done what is expected by apologising to the House you are yet to fulfil your moral obligation to apologise to the nation. I call upon Church leaders and community leaders to demand this apology. We cannot allow this type of behaviour to simply be swept under the carpet! Why, you ask? Because until an apology is received, to my mind, there is a clear absence of integrity. We have placed them there. If they disrespected anyone it was us the electorate!
I am, etc.,
ANDREW LOMAX
eorte_98@yahoo.co.uk
St. Lucy, Barbados
Via Go-Jamaica
