May 8, 2014

Dear Sir,

The recent story by Gareth Finighan reporting on comments made by Progressive Labour Party spokesman, Jamahl Simmons, should be of concern. Mr Simmons’ comments could be understood to incite and inflame, and as a result procure hate and support bigotry. Without going into the details of what was written, as the words chosen were so off the wall and out of the realm of reasonable thought, it must be questioned, as to how a politician of such senior rank, can utter such.

Will Mr Simmons apologise to anyone he may have offended? In other jurisdictions such remarks of similar nature have led to extreme antisocial behaviour, at a cost to innocent people. Surely this cannot be referred to as freedom of speech? Bigotry of any kind should not be tolerated, as the recent example of the owner of the basketball team, The Los Angeles Clippers has illustrated.

Putting this in a political context, are Mr Simmons’ views a reflection of the party he represents and swears loyalty to? What does The Opposition Leader think of his comments? Does the Progressive Labour Party support these bigoted views? Thus far, we have heard no public condemnation of the remarks made. Surely an explanation is forthcoming. May I conclude by saying, there is no room in today’s society for bigotry. We must make the effort to treat all as equals, regardless of our differences.

SHOCKED