UNC Youth Arm Demands Apology from PM for Disrespectful Display at PNM Family Day
Plastered on the front page of one daily newspaper, I noticed a scene from the PNM’s Family day depicting two persons in costumes disrobing a woman of a yellow sari – a scene which was later described by the PNM’s spokesman extraordinaire Minister Stuart Young as “a little fun”. In no uncertain terms, it is the view of the UNC Youth Arm that this vile and horrific manner of “fun” sends disturbing messages to the young people of Trinidad and Tobago.
What a party does or condones is a direct reflection of their style of governance. Making a mockery of a scene from a holy Hindu text and disrobing a woman of her clothing is undoubtedly offensive to our Hindu citizens. But this issue is two-fold. On the other hand, this act appears to promote violence against women with the forceful removal of a woman’s clothes by masked me in the view of a cheering audience. What message does this send to our nation’s youth? Is it one that suggests violence is acceptable? Is it one that suggests publicly removing a woman’s clothing is acceptable? Does this show our young people that disrespecting women is okay? The Prime Minister’s silent approval of this act brings into question his previous assertion that he is Prime Minister of all of T&T.
The comment from Minister Stuart Young, a newly minted Minister of National Security that it was “just a little fun” is frightening and worrisome as his interest should be in protecting our mothers, daughters and sisters rather than cheering their public embarrassment. Any political party that seeks to govern our country must prove that they are all inclusive and all-embracing and not disregard the sanctity of any religious belief by blatant displays of disrespect as the PNM has shown they have an immaculate penchant to so do.
To this end, on behalf of the Youth Arm of the United National Congress, I call on no lesser person than the Political Leader of the PNM who is vying for re-election to the post, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley to apologize for this most distasteful display of “a little fun.”
Chris A Hosein
Youth Officer
United National Congress