Dear Editor,

The burden of the “bad name” endured by our political leaders is largely of their own making. Case in point is verbal slug-fest in Gordon House on February 15 between Government and Opposition members which has attracted the strong opprobrium of countless Jamaicans at home and abroad. Characters were besmirched and integrity and intellect questioned during the debate to suspend local government elections to 2012.

The principle of good sportsmanship at the heart of Westminster politics was suspended in disbelief while House privileges, which ought to be used with the greatest discretion, were used to score cheap political points on both sides of Parliament. So unseemly was the behaviour of our parliamentarians that the Speaker Delroy Chuck had to resort to his gavel.

But during the “boogooyagga behaviour”, did the Speaker forget that he was is in control of the House? He is there to preserve order, and objectionable behaviour or obstruction on the part of any member is subject to his unquestionable ruling. He has the power to expel, suspend and reprimand any member of the House. After all, in a democracy the buck must stop somewhere.

I note that he was supported in his stance – to eject from Parliament disobedient MPs and not tolerate misbehaviour – by both the Leader of Government Business and his Opposition counterpart in the House. But none of these actions, by themselves, can restore to Parliament over which he presides that sense of decency it lost two Tuesdays ago. If our parliamentarians hope to transform their liabilities into assets in light of the disrespect shown to the people of Jamaica on February 15, then I suggest that they apologise to the Speaker for their behaviour and he in turn apologise to Jamaica. This act of honour can go a far way in helping to wash away our sense of shame.

Everton Pryce

Kingston 8

Epryce9@gmail.com