Education Minister slams ‘disrespectful’ Opposition member
Education Minister Sharie deCastro has called for greater respect among members of the House of Assembly following an incident where she was allegedly told to “sit down and shut up” by an Opposition member during a recess.
Addressing the House yesterday, deCastro highlighted the importance of maintaining decorum, referencing Standing Order 48-4, which prohibits offensive and insulting language among members. She stated, “While the opposition and the government may disagree, it must be done in a respectful manner.”
The Minister expressed dismay at the incident, asserting, “I do not take it lightly at all.” She indicated her intention to formally address the matter, demanding an apology from Second District Representative Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull, who was accused of making the offending remark.
In response, the Speaker acknowledged the complaint and reminded members to be respectful, noting that the matter would be addressed upon receiving deCastro’s formal letter.
Treat members respectfully, especially women
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley supported deCastro, emphasising the need for respectful treatment of all members, especially women. He stated, “I think we should go above and beyond to ensure that we do not accord anyone of a different gender less than favourable treatment.”
Premier Wheatley also suggested that Turnbull should make a public apology immediately since the alleged remarks were already in the public domain.
DeCastro was also supported by Territorial At-Large Representative Lorna Smith, who said she had not heard the remark but believed it should not be minimised. Smith stressed the importance of maintaining proper decorum within the House, stating, “Whether it was in jest or not, as you said, on these precincts, we must observe proper decorum.”
Smith also commended both government and Opposition members for ultimately reaching a consensus on the day’s business, noting that the matter should serve as a reminder for all members to engage in respectful dialogue. “I am happy that consensus has been arrived at today because I would have been embarrassed to walk out this door unless we had arrived at the decision,” she stated.
When given the opportunity to respond, Turnbull chose to wait until the formal complaint was submitted before addressing the issue.
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Need to go slam some work.
There is no one more disrespectful and condescending than Sharie. Talk to her staff at the Ministry of Education and they will tell you. The “child” has no respect at all for anyone. None!
If this is true – shame on you! You were not raised this way. Power has got ya’ll crazy.
If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen. A thin-skinned little girl.
Persons need to know the whole story about this incident, about the same Minister of Education’s behavior.
She for who she for
Geh from here with that especially women crap. Everybody in there should maintain an acceptable level of professionalism and respect. Nobody should be telling no other member to ‘sit down and shut up’ man or woman. If he said it I agree that he should apologize. You can don’t like each other and still be professional.
And the corner lady jumped on the wagon but don’t have the full story. She’s a cricket
LIMITED VACABULARY AND THE INABILITY TO ARTICULATE A PROPER RESPONSE IS THE CHIF CAUSE FOR DISRESPECT OTHERS IN ANY SETTING WHETHER BE IT FORMAL OR INFORMAL.
Anybody more disrespectful than some of those education staff? They want to be paid for doing nothing and you dare not say anything to them. They want to roam Road Town on government time, all in the gamble spots gambling during work hours. Always on the city buses up and down town. They don’t want to be held accountable and when they are they would say that they see ministers come and ministers go. It is shameful what the public service has come to. When people don’t do their work the top managers request additional positions over and over and have the service bloated with non performers and have three people doing what one should do. They always bawling for increments but can’t reach to work early but leaving before 4:30 with a two and three hour lunch in between. Then we expect the children to do better.
@ talk all you hit the nail on the head!! i know some of them famous in that department for that.
Tell her to take a hike
This whole HOA has become a Circus under this VIP Administration. Since 2019, Head Coach was responsible for assembling a Team of Children and Cream – Me – Nulls to mash up this Country. Look where he is and look what he left for us to deal with. The UK got a right to want to take them down as they can see through them. More than half of the Characters in the present HOA Circus need to go home. I hope by 2027 or sooner as it seems, the people of this Country will grow some Balls and do what is right by the people of this Country. That’s if the UK don’t step in before. A Circus of Poppy shows!!!!!
The MEMBER from should have used some bad words with it…
All her pics are so unflattering
Stop it man that’s a former Miss BVI
Carmen Sandiago is in her feelings because she is not on the trip to China. Thats all. I would have wanted those miles to sis.
What happens at break time should not count!
We need an apology for the credit card and the brakes to.
She is 2 term failure, What has she doneto earned respect?. Talking about Respect, She passes people like they are spirits, no manners, Mitch always haile people not her, Mitch is always on the Radio stations, not her,
Where should one go to equally go to call out this rude child? Ma’am you’re just as disrespectful.
this apple did not fall far from the tree. Dr. Karl Dawson should have been appointed as minister for education; more respect would have been received.