Dear Editor,

Once again, our rude politicians receive a slap on the wrist for their disgraceful behaviour. I say this because simply apologising for the tasteless and irresponsible behaviour displayed in Parliament recently is woefully inadequate.

In this our 50th year of Independence, I believe it is time we let our politicians know that an apology cannot really erase the damage done by negative utterances. Therefore, in addition to the apology, there ought to have been a sanction - and one that is capable of being a real deterrent to those who wish to act in an unacceptable way.

We are the employers of the politicians in that we elect them to take care of our affairs. Therefore, we need to demand that they represent us in a desirable manner. Unless we do so, they will never understand that being in the public eye places them under scrutiny at all times, hence the need for them to show tolerance, resilience, and restraint when faced with difficult situations.

Furthermore, we are so proud to state our independent status we need to let our actions reflect same. It is time we show that at 50, we are a mature people with the understanding that we live in a global society and whatever we do will affect us globally, whether for good or bad.

Patricia Clarke

Claremont, St Ann

nardia.dixon@yahoo.com