Submitted by Brandford Padmore
The Democratic Labour Party agrees with the very first line in the BLP’s column last week: “Tuesday, November 20, will go down in Barbadian political infamy as the date when” MP William Duguid showed his and his party’s true colours. His constant taunting of Minister Donville Inniss in Parliament is an almost weekly offensive. The difference this time was that the cameras and mike captured it. Since then, Mr. Duguid’s party has been urging him to issue a public apology “to save face”. This he eventually did three days after his vulgar outburst. But, that apology was self-serving, and was made only because video of the repulsive assault, and the vile and detestable language used, went viral. The “gentleman’s” lame excuse was that he was provoked. Well, people who live in glass houses shouldn’t hurl boulders!
Indeed, we wonder what one would call the constant abuse hurled at Minister Inniss about ownership of an alleged porno website, which local ‘fact-check’ has disproved since 2007; and Mr. Duguid’s assertion that “the Member for St. James South is immoral and can’t qualify as a camp director”. That is what started the to-and-fro.
But, who was really provoked? We wonder! Was it a seasoned two-term MP, whose weekly and weakly slings and arrows at Minister Inniss are like water on a duck’s back, suddenly snapping and going on a tirade, despite the Chair’s earnest pleas to desist? Or, was it a decent, first-term MP who is constantly peppered with vile comments; and whose sotto voce retorts are understandable? After all, he is still human. Watch the video of what transpired, and you be the judge!
Why did “the honorable gentleman” react the way he did? Well, many believe that, for one thing, he is not returning to the electorate; and two, that is his modus operandi. Also he may only be following an example set by his Leader Arthur as it is his style to Cuss people (this is usually in the wee hours of the morning after the ESAF has started to bite ) who disagree with him on any matter. What is inculcated sooner or later emanates. The BLP should try to explain away such gauche conduct and impropriety.
For sure, not even the Prime Minister’s most boisterous critics could imagine the Honourable Freundel Stuart behaving in such an obscene and disgusting manner; yet he is the most vilified and maligned politician in the DLP. The Opposition hacks take pleasure in attacking him daily; but, such only serves to embolden him and make him the gentleman he is. Yes, we still have politicians who are real gentlemen.
There are some questions the public wants answered; never mind Mr. Duguid’s refusal to take any when he read a prepared statement at his advertised ‘press conference’. We want him to truthfully reveal what was said to him? Was his a preemptive ploy that went terribly awry? Why were his colleagues urging him on? Why did it take him so long to tender an apology?
Tuesday’s vicious and vulgar outburst did not even resonate with your few supporters. How will you explain to our youth your misbehaviour? But then, we remember you do not have to; Canada is beckoning. Some BLP politicians could not care less! Like their leader, they attend as few sittings as possible to ensure their seats are not declared vacant, and to secure a parliamentary pension by holding on to once safe-seats, then exit the stage in a blaze of profanity.
What a way to go! The newfangled BLP Way!
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