MINISTER Stuart Young’s recent remarks in Parliament, where he referenced the Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar using the term “zamie,” have been widely criticised for being inappropriate and degrading.
The term is often understood as a slur with homophobic implications, typically associated with disrespect towards women, especially in the context he allegedly used it. Minister Young has since offered up an apology which didn’t seem to be directed towards the opposition leader but basically apologised for the discourse his remarks may have caused on the various social media platforms.
In his statement of apology he used the words: “Be further assured that I will continue to serve without fear or favour, malice or ill-will.” The energy minister also escaped the Privileges Committee after he surrendered to the instructions of the House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George to apologise to the Parliament for his words towards the opposition leader last Thursday.
Minister Young must realise that words are powerful and they can create or destroy. This type of language is unacceptable, particularly in Parliament, where discourse is expected to maintain a certain level of respect and decorum.
In his actions in parliament he allegedly did exactly what he stated he wouldn’t do – serve without malice – but these words seem to carry exactly that “malice” against the opposition leader. Any right thinking person can see that such remarks only serve to deepen divisions and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
Additionally, the use of this language could incite or keep alive homophobic attitudes, which is a serious concern in any society that values equality and respect for all its citizens. It’s especially important now that we have just seen the fallout of a young boy that committed suicide because of alleged bullying and mocking from another student.
Leaders are expected to elevate the conversation and set an example rather than engaging in derogatory and inflammatory language.
Young’s comments have opened our eyes of the apparent bullying that they term as “cross talk” in parliament but what is needed is more accountability in political discourse.
Such behavior not only distracts from substantive policy discussions but creates unnecessary animosity between the two sides of the divide. How do we expect our children to act towards each other when we ourselves see how our exalted Leaders act to one another?
Neil Gosine is an insurance executive, sometimes a temporary Opposition Senator, an ex-treasurer of the UNC and a former chairman of the National Petroleum Marketing Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NP). He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration MBA, BSC in Mathematics and a BA in Administrative Studies. The views and comments expressed in this column are not necessarily those of AZP News, a Division of Complete Image Limited
Commentary: Cross-Talk Bullying
MINISTER Stuart Young’s recent remarks in Parliament, where he referenced the Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar using the term “zamie,” have been widely criticised for being inappropriate and degrading.
The term is often understood as a slur with homophobic implications, typically associated with disrespect towards women, especially in the context he allegedly used it. Minister Young has since offered up an apology which didn’t seem to be directed towards the opposition leader but basically apologised for the discourse his remarks may have caused on the various social media platforms.
In his statement of apology he used the words: “Be further assured that I will continue to serve without fear or favour, malice or ill-will.” The energy minister also escaped the Privileges Committee after he surrendered to the instructions of the House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George to apologise to the Parliament for his words towards the opposition leader last Thursday.
Minister Young must realise that words are powerful and they can create or destroy. This type of language is unacceptable, particularly in Parliament, where discourse is expected to maintain a certain level of respect and decorum.
In his actions in parliament he allegedly did exactly what he stated he wouldn’t do – serve without malice – but these words seem to carry exactly that “malice” against the opposition leader. Any right thinking person can see that such remarks only serve to deepen divisions and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
Additionally, the use of this language could incite or keep alive homophobic attitudes, which is a serious concern in any society that values equality and respect for all its citizens. It’s especially important now that we have just seen the fallout of a young boy that committed suicide because of alleged bullying and mocking from another student.
Leaders are expected to elevate the conversation and set an example rather than engaging in derogatory and inflammatory language.
Young’s comments have opened our eyes of the apparent bullying that they term as “cross talk” in parliament but what is needed is more accountability in political discourse.
Such behavior not only distracts from substantive policy discussions but creates unnecessary animosity between the two sides of the divide. How do we expect our children to act towards each other when we ourselves see how our exalted Leaders act to one another?
Neil Gosine is an insurance executive, sometimes a temporary Opposition Senator, an ex-treasurer of the UNC and a former chairman of the National Petroleum Marketing Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NP). He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration MBA, BSC in Mathematics and a BA in Administrative Studies. The views and comments expressed in this column are not necessarily those of AZP News, a Division of Complete Image Limited
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