Dear Editor,

Having first heard of Everald Warmington’s uncivil conduct via radio, it didn’t require my actually seeing it to believe that it actually occurred, or to appreciate the deplorability of the action. Now, while I can agree that other stakeholders may require visual aid to be duly impacted and rebuffed by this less than exemplary public figure, and while it is desirable that there be unanimous public outcry against him, and while this type of behaviour is typical “Warmingtonism” in action, which warrants efforts to cut off public access, we must be careful that we don’t end up promoting the very thing we are denouncing. I did not need to see a photo of him showing the middle finger.

That said, I’m wary of a type of society, such a highly Christianised one at that, that is so accommodating of this type of conduct from an elected political representative. But is he being extreme, or can the press really push one to the limit — just for ratings.

Admittedly, I know how at times the press can feel constrained by their use of words and images to report a news story in a way to highlight that aspect of a story that will stir conversation and bring ratings. And let’s face it, this is an economic imperative; bills must be paid and financial goals are to be met. This, however, doesn’t mean that the press lies, or even compromises the integrity of a story, they just don’t write as PR officers of a firm. Hence, a Warmington could easily feel targeted or underserved by the press to the point of irritation. Still, when you are a public official, it is a given that you will at times feel targeted, but you must resist the temptation to have your “tongue/middle-finger” drawn.

I’m sure that Warmington does possess valuable political collateral — after all, he is member of parliament for the St Catherine South Western constituency. Is he beyond counselling? I’m prepared to support an ultimatum that unless he gets counselling/press management technique then his political career should, yes, end.

But, all that said, I believe the photo of him showing the middle finger is offensive and should be at least withdrawn from the online copy of the Observer, because albeit done negatively, we’re actually promoting the very thing being denounced.

Charles Evans

Northern Caribbean University

charles.evans@ncu.edu.jm