Dear Editor,

If I were Jamaica’s prime minister, when we accepted the invitation to give the keynote address at the 6th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in New York, my advisors would have anticipated the likelihood of protests and heckling and would prepared me well.

Here is the transcript of what my response would have been to the gay rights protesters in New York: ” I recognise that heckling is protected by the First Amendment and I don’t have the automatic right to be free from heckling. I have listened to you, and I humbly ask that you now give me an opportunity to speak.

Ladies and gentlemen, I must remind you of my response during Jamaica’s Leadership Debate in December 2011, when I was asked whether I would hire a homosexual. At that time, I said that, in selecting my team, I would not be concerned about the goings on in their bedrooms. Today, I stand before you as someone who has not changed on that score. I have always believed in the dignity of all human beings. We all deserve respect and human rights. I am inviting you to sit with me, work with me, and let us talk so we can achieve more for those who are vulnerable. Shouting at each other will only delay the work that needs to be done. I respect your right to protest, and I ask you to take this a step further with me, so that together we can do much more to stem violence and discrimination being faced by gays in Jamaica.”

As the prime minister, there has to be a level of statesmanship, diplomacy and decorum in speech, behaviour and body language. The uncouth behaviour of others should not make one behave less than polished, respectful, and respectable. I would choose not to respond with asperity and float like a lady.

Sandra M Taylor Wiggan

sandra_wiggan@yahoo.co.uk