Kerrie Symmonds Sets A New Course?

I do not want to say too much about why Senator Kerrie Symmonds resigned yesterday (see Nation report): he was reported in yesterday's papers to have been summonsed to appear in court on assault charges relating to his wife. By late afternoon, the man had done what many will feel is the right thing. But, there will be some who feel otherwise.

To me, the story is huge. Caribbean politicians do not resign for much. In fact, they seem to be more Teflon-like than others of the same breed. They certainly do not resign for things like wife/woman beating--a sport where the region could produce many Olympic champions.

In fact, integrity and self-sacrifice are characteristics often burned out of the body and soul of most Caribbean public figures. Just look around at the debacles and the people still in post with no hint of accountability facing them. Do I dare mention cricket? Well, Coach Dyson was fired yesterday, but why so long to get to that point? Anyway, let me not touch the cricket apple cart.

I found revealing the words of PM David Thompson (in the same newspaper report):

Prime Minister David Thompson, in remarks to reporters yesterday afternoon, said: "I once thought that Kerrie Symmonds was a rising political star.

"He even did his in-service [training] with me and I thought I had imparted [some knowledge and advice]. (But) look at what has happened today . . .

When a friend (a former diplomat and experienced international public servant) and I read it together this morning, he just made the dagger gesture. "He's done him," he said.

Wife beating is alright...if it is at Scrabble, or she asks for you to swat the fly from her face...or if you are playing tennis and her imitation of Stephie Graf cannot touch your impression of Andre Agassi. Beyond that, you are on dangerous ground.

But let us get something absolutely straight any body taking a hand or object to another person or striking them with foul and abusive language is also standing in the same dock. We are fools if we think the road to true happiness is the saccharin we see in films or on TV. Relationships take hard work to stay their course and for all to be sweetness. Couples that truly love each other must find a way for that love to come through and for negative things to go away. But it can take time and much effort and sweat and tears, but hopefully no blood.

I hope that Mr. Symmonds is truly remorseful if he is guilty as charged. I will not go to the case of Rihanna and Chris Brown. I will not stand and watch anyone condone violence and least of all a victim.

The radio stations seem to have taken a good cue and since yesterday I have heard calypsos about domestic violence ringing the air. Cruel to be kind? TC had gone into the Crop Over finals with her song entitled "Stop Domestic Violence". It did not win, but she should demand a recount.