Dear Editor,

I am appalled at pianist Orrett Rhoden’s bizarre on-again, off-again response to being awarded a national honour, the third highest ranking at that.

His initial rejection of the award came because, according to him, the prime minister did not reply to mail he’d sent to her. This was subsequently denied by Jamaica House who said he had, in fact, received a response. Apparently, the response did not suit him so he went public, denouncing the prime minister and the Government via the media, for their failure to appreciate the classics.

But lo and behold, he bounded joyfully forward on to the dais at King’s House on National Heroes’ Day to receive the award. This must be a precedent.

I have never heard of anyone rejecting a national honour, then changing his mind, and still be allowed to get away with it as if he’d not behaved in an unusual manner. Nothing has been heard from the Government as to whether they found it to be appropriate behaviour.

What if the prime minister does not give him the favoured treatment which he is expecting for his concert(s)? Will he reject the award again and denounce her and the Government once again? If a “roots artist” had behaved in this way, what would society be saying today?

Mary Morris

Kingston 5