By Prior Beharry
OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar says that Energy Minister Stuart Young should seek a psychological diagnosis after his “zamie” comment in the Parliament.
Commenting on the issue, she said, “I see this as a serious matter because many persons in workplaces are subject to coworkers making inappropriate comments about sexual thoughts, behaviour and desires. It creates an uncomfortable work atmosphere.
“But I am very concerned that this type of predatory, hypersexual commentary from a senior cabinet minister can be seen as an example to replicate by others in society.
“Hypersexuality is actually a diagnosable medical condition. Compulsive sexual behavior is sometimes called hypersexuality or sexual addiction. It’s an intense focus on sexual fantasies, urges or behaviours that can’t be controlled. This causes distress and problems for your health, job, relationships or other parts of your life.
“Minister Young’s comments has actually opened up a needed conversation on this type of behaviour in the workplace.
“I would recommend that he seek a proper psychological diagnosis to determine if he does have any deeper issue.
“We have seen publicly he is quite prone to aggressive and intemperate behaviour which we pass off as immaturity but could be signs of something more serious.
“Whatever it is I always wish the best for him as I do for everyone else.”
Young was reprimanded by the Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George on Friday. But although the United National Congress (UNC) has written to her asking for Young be taken before the Privileges Committee, he escaped from such a sanction by Deputy Speaker Esmond Forde who accepted an apology by Young that same day.
In her statement, Annisette-George referred to an initial apology by Young on his Facebook page. She said, “If in fact that statement is that of the Member for Port of Spain North/St Ann’s West, I am of the view that it does not satisfy that which is required of him to purge himself of his despicable behaviour in this House.”
She described the statements directed at Couva North MP Ravi Ratiram and Persad-Bissessar as “reprehensible.”
Annisette-George, “Like the rest of Trinidad and Tobago, I was deeply troubled by the improprieties uttered during a period when the nation should have been focused on the business before the House.”
She said, “Such crass and distasteful references to other Members of this House have no place in this august Chamber and have rightly been subject to public contempt.”
Annisette-George said, “Honourable Members, I exhort us all, not to resort to the obscene and the lewd. Insults and disrespect are not synonymous with wit. It will not be tolerated in this Chamber by any Member.”
She said,”Members, if we are conscious of our roles as leaders in society, we would understand that the remarks were even more damaging given their misogynistic and homophobic character, as well as their criminal insinuations.
“As a woman, I am naturally led to condemn statements which seek to indecently portray another woman; statements which trivialise criminal activities which exploit women, or statements which impute improper conduct on the part of other members.”
