Dear Editor,

The fundamental issue I have with us, as Jamaicans, is that we are quick to major in minor issues. When Minister Hanna posted a picture of herself on the beach it was debated to death for days whether she was diminishing her office. I believe even a Catholic leader took pen to paper to discuss it. Then Bolt’s neighbour had the audacity to air publicly her frustration with his lifestyle. And, had she not apologised, it seemed she would have been exiled from the country. The attacks were furious and relentless. Yet, we have a member of Parliament, a public official, Everald Warmington, whose public slip-ups are well-known and documented.

It was reported that he assaulted a female Gleaner intern and what does The Gleaner do? Demand his resignation? Press charges? Oh no, they asked that he apologise and make a video where he takes no accountability for his actions, and spent most of the time laughing to show just how serious and contrite he was. Yes, because this is what any CEO would have done had their employee assaulted an MP, right?

It was reported that he assaulted a female Gleaner intern and what does The Gleaner do? Demand his resignation? Press charges? Oh no, they asked that he apologise and make a video where he takes no accountability for his actions, and spent most of the time laughing to show just how serious and contrite he was. Yes, because this is what any CEO would have done had their employee assaulted an MP, right?

Then here comes the Press Association of Jamaica. Womp, womp. There was a strongly worded condemnation and a motherly request that he never do it again. The statement from his party was even worse, and did nothing more than add insult to injury as they expressed their regret.

I am thinking that the MP must believe that we are all one big set of jokers. Were I a lawyer, I would take the intern’s case for free and take him to court so he can understand that the office he holds should be treated with respect or give it up.

Sure enough, just days after, he was pictured giving the media the finger. Tek dat, and run wid it! Enough is enough, I am asking for his resignation. I demand that he step down as MP, and I pray that he is never elected to office again.

In the words of Edmund Burke: ” All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” Jamaica, it is time to do something about Warmington. Our children are watching and learning.

D’Anne Stewart