Dear Editor,

This is an open letter to Senator KD Knight.

The Parliament is a legislative branch of the Government of Jamaica. Parliamentarians who are elected or appointed represent the people of Jamaica and are expected to behave in an acceptable manner. Parliamentarians should be role models for upcoming or promising politicians in an effort to promote mutual understanding and respect for fellow politicians, irrespective of their political affiliation and gender.

Mr Knight, I believe you are an articulate, analytical and persuasive senior Member of Parliament. You have been a successful attorney – appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1995 – representing cases at the supreme, resident magistrate’s and the appellate courts. Therefore, you are a man of experience and talent. However, your behaviour as a senior politician in the House of Parliament is inappropriate.

I can relate to your frustration at times regarding some issues where sitting parliamentarians are at odds. However, I believe that you should not allow your anger to get the better of you by shouting or, for that matter, disrespecting your fellow politicians.

Senator Knight, your suspension from the Senate for two sittings occurs as a result of what Government members deem as “rude, disrespectful and un-parliamentary behaviour” towards Leader of Government Business in the Upper House, Dorothy Lightbourne. Sir, the world watches the news and developments coming out of Jamaica. We are suffering from a tarnished image already, so please lead by example. Act like the intelligent man you are and exercise some control.

Charlie Brown

charliebrown1004@hotmail.com