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‘Shut up & sit down’- Hon Turnbull reportedly tells Hon de Castro in HoA
Raising the matter under a point of order, Hon de Castro lambasted what she described as disrespectful and unacceptable behaviour, citing Standing Orders 48 (4), which prohibits the use of offensive or insulting language in the House, and the Code of Conduct, which mandates respect among members.
‘Disrespectful remarks’
"It is unfortunate that while on recess and seeking to engage in negotiations, some disrespectful remarks were levied at me by a Member of the Opposition, and I do not take it lightly at all; I was told to sit down and shut up, and I intend to write formally on it because I do not believe this is a practice we should allow."
With this in mind, Hon de Castro was adamant that while debates may become contentious, there must be a standard of respect upheld at all times.
"While we can disagree, we must do so amicably," she asserted, as she further requested that Hon Turnbull issue an apology to address what she deemed an inappropriate and unacceptable incident.
Hon Turnbull not ready to apologise
Speaker of the House Honourable Corine N. George-Massicote acknowledged the complaint, at which point she invited Hon Turnbull to respond immediately or at a later time to which, he instead opted to wait for a formal written complaint before addressing the matter.
According to Hon Turnbull, “I would wait until the formal address is given to you and then respond accordingly.”
‘It should be a public apology’- Premier Wheatley
Meanwhile, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), was unequivocal in his support for Hon de Castro and her request for an apology.
"She’s a member of this House, an Honourable Member, elected like anyone else. She’s also a woman, Madam Speaker, and I think we should go above and beyond to ensure that we do not accord anyone of a different gender less than favourable treatment.”
Advocating for a public apology, Premier Wheatley said, "In my view, it should be a public apology, Madam Speaker, because the matter was raised publicly."
‘Sometimes we say things in jest’ - Hon Walwyn
Other members weighed in on the controversy, with some acknowledging the need for an apology while also suggesting that the comment may not have been intended as offensive.
Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6), who said he was present during the exchange, remarked, "I was there when what was said was said. But I will say publicly, because I am not in any way disputing what the Minister for Education said… Sometimes we say things in jest, without any intention or bad meaning behind them. And that is what came out."
According to Hon Walwyn—another Alliance member in the opposition ranks— who also sought to impress the importance of perception and respect, told members, "It’s how the person perceives it. I understand. So that we don’t minimise it… I don’t want it to look across as though the Member for the Second has been somebody who has been disrespectful."
‘We must observe proper decorum’- Hon Smith
Echoing this sentiment, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), made it clear that whether or not the comment was meant in jest, it should not be downplayed.
"I did not hear what transpired,” she conceded, adding “But I do not think that we should minimise or seek to minimise what was said; I rise as a female, as a woman, to support the view expressed—that she was disrespected in the House by the Minister; Whether it was in jest or not, on these precincts, we must observe proper decorum."
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39 Responses to “‘Shut up & sit down’- Hon Turnbull reportedly tells Hon de Castro in HoA”
What made him think he could speak to her that way? Would he do the same to his wife? IMO, he thought it was ok to speak to her that way because she is a woman, and that is unacceptable. Shame on him. If he was a decent man, he would apologize outright and not await any formal complaint to do so. Shame on him.
But no, he is not being genuine, he wants an apology to be dragged out of him by her showing he is not genuine and nothing put a narcistic power hungry misogynistic pig. Not a good look for a man allegedly up in the church house each Sunday. He is diminished in my eyes.
There must be accountability for your behavior. Now let's see what other member have the gutts to speak up and speak out against this behavior.
Thank you
Why don't the opposition members ever take accountability for their words and actions?
Walwyn & Turnbull may have fooled off those who really want to believe in them but I will call a spade a spade. They are con artists in the HOA and pure trouble makers hiding their unbridled ambition behind their supporters ignorance. They do not care about the people or their own party but I know craving does choke puppy