Campbell's tweet a disrespect to all J'can women

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I am of the firm view that the comments by Member of Parliament Dr Dayton Campbell - in response to a particular contestant winning the sectional prize for Best Figure in the recent Miss Jamaica World competition - were most unfortunate and irresponsible and show a complete lack of regard for Jamaican women. It brings to the fore issues of gender discrimination and sexism that Jamaican women face every day.

The fact that this young lady displayed the level of patriotism to enter a competition in a bid to represent our country on the world stage, as Minister Lisa Hanna did back in 1993, escaped the mind of Dr Campbell, is regrettable. As such, rather than lauding the contestant for aspiring to lift Brand Jamaica, Dr Campbell merely saw her as fair game to be ridiculed.

GREAT RESPONSIBILITY

Dr Campbell must always be cognisant of the fact that "with great power comes great responsibility", and that as a member of parliament, he must always conduct himself in an exemplary manner and give our Jamaican women the respect they deserve. Whatever the shape of any Jamaican woman, they remain the backbone of our society, our caregivers, our mothers, and the very heartbeat of our nation.

I trust that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, the minister of youth and culture, and the other women of the People's National Party will chastise the member for his misguided and disrespectful remarks.

RONIQUE RHODEN

Gender Affairs Chairperson

Generation 2000 (G2K)