MP Lee – PNM has sunk to an all time low with its promotion of misogyny and religious insensitivity
The governing Keith Rowley led PNM has sunk to an all time low with it’s promotion of misogyny and religious insensitivity via the offensive skit which was warmly cheered on by the hierarchy of the PNM at their family day on Sunday at the Edinburgh 500 recreation ground. It is unconscionable that members of the PNM and more so the Prime Minister as well as his team would find such an abhorrent display, which depicts a group called the PNM Guerrillas making abusive gestures as well as unraveling a yellow sari from around a female entertaining.
Sunday’s skit doesn’t only reflect the level of moral and ethical decay which is plaguing the government but it raises many questions such as ; “How can individuals who have offered themselves to serve, protect and develop our nation find joy in the portrayal of abuse towards a woman, especially when our nation is already battling a crisis of numerous cases of harm, violence and crime against women? Is the Prime Minister and Peoples National Movement encouraging it’s members to disrespect and attack women who have different political views ? Is the Prime Minister calling on his membership to act violently towards the Leader of the Opposition and her female Members of Parliament as well as supporters ?”
It is shameful that while world leaders across the globe engage in activities to uplift women, to ensure women achieve their full potential while being in a safe environment, the Cabinet of Trinidad and Tobago is applauding a skit which shows acts of violence towards a woman.
It would be necessary to ask the Prime Minister to apologize to the women of Trinidad and Tobago in his capacity as leader of the PNM , however our nation must recall that this is a leader which has consistently disrespected women and their entitlement to security via his actions and statements in the past . Citizens must never forget his statements towards women facing violence ; “I am not in your bedroom” or when he referred to women as gulf courses. Therefore Sunday’s events demonstrate that the poor example he has set as a leader is now being absorbed by the elements of his party.
To make matters worse, this unfortunate situation not only discriminated against women but it reflected insensitivity towards our nation’s Hindu brothers and sisters as it was a mockery of one of the sacred scriptures; the disrobing of Draupadi as told in the Mahabharata. Why would a government that portrays itself as one for all of the people result in ridicule and derision of someone’s religious culture for political amusement ? Clearly this is not a government that respects nor represents all of our people.
However, if this story was used to depict how the PNM will politically disrobe the UNC leader given her victory at the polls in Local Government by-elections as well as rising popularity and support, it is important they be made aware of the entire story. Despite how much they tried to disrobe Draupadi they were not successful as she was protected due to her prayers, similarly, regardless of the unethical political attacks against the Leader of the Opposition Kamla Persad Bissessar, she will always persevere due to her compassion, vision and sincerity.
It is a sad day in our nation when besides destroying our economy and social fabric, the PNM is now seeking to destroy the values which our nation has been built on of “every creed and race find and equal place”