Turnbull apologises for disrespectful remarks
Second District Representative Melvin “Mitch” Turnbull has issued a public apology to Minister of Education Sharie de Castro following remarks he made during a previous House of Assembly (HOA) sitting.
During a recess earlier this month, Turnbull reportedly told de Castro to “sit down and shut up.”
Speaking in the HOA today, Turnbull acknowledged his comments and expressed regret. He noted that he had already apologised privately the day after the incident but was unsure if de Castro had received it. As a result, he decided to read his apology publicly.
“I am writing to formally apologize for the remarks made in our recent exchange during the recess of the House of Assembly sitting, a matter which has understandably raised concern,” he stated.
Turnbull admitted that his words were made in the heat of the moment but were not meant to be offensive.
“The phrase which was uttered during a moment of heated negotiations, using our cultural dialect, was intended in jest as part of our reciprocal exchange,” he explained.
However, he recognised that his statement was derogatory and uncalled for, emphasising that it did not reflect his true level of respect for de Castro.
“It was never my intention to cause offence or to diminish the respect that I have for you—not only as a respected colleague in the House but also as a cherished family member,” Turnbull said.
He assured de Castro that he holds her in high regard and regretted that his words may have suggested otherwise.
Minister accepts apology
In response, de Castro publicly accepted Turnbull’s apology before the House resumed its sitting.
At the time of the remarks, she had called for greater respect among members, referencing Standing Order 48-4, which prohibits offensive and insulting language in the House. “While the Opposition and the Government may disagree, it must be done in a respectful manner,” she stated.
The Minister also expressed disappointment over the incident, emphasising: “I do not take it lightly at all.”
She had previously indicated her intention to formally address the matter, demanding an apology from Turnbull, which she has now received.
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Quite a gentleman, this could give a soft heart on the government side to work together with the opposition since hold each other on high regards.
As someone who thought his comment was not only rude, misogynistic, and disrespectful to his colleague, and the HOA itself, I was also of the belief that a public apology was in order. I am pleased to see he has done so.
His apology appears sincere, and now that it’s been accepted, let’s hope they can move on with professionalism and respect for each other while undertaking the peoples business.
What each member of the HOA should understand is that people are watching and listening. Many young people are observing what they do. They should always conduct themselves respectfully despite heated discussions which one can understand and expect from time to time.
Be good role models to our young people who are struggling today and the country as a whole. Respect yourselves and engage in civil discourse, and others will respect you.
I give him credit for doing the right thing here. Lets move on.
SOFT LITTLE BWOY!
So he is a soft little boy because he did the right thing by issuing a public apology? You are indeed more stupid than you look.
@Goon, you ignant. I see him as a strong man to apologize and have nothing but respect for him for doing that. It shows he has a conscience and can humble himself if he has to.
So if a woman tells a man to shut up and sit down and she apologize to the man for what she said, does that make the woman a soft little girl. Waiting for your answer Goon. The man apologized, what else do you want.
You did the right thing by issuing a public apology to the Education Minister. Just move forward and continue to do the work that you have been doing.
Now, the minister herself has to work on the way she speaks to people. Some persons like to receive respect but have a difficult time giving respect. Position flies to these politicians head quickly.
Correct! she’s very rude herself
A real man acknowledges his faults
A soft whip is afraid
You did the right thing
It takes a real man to respect a women and not demand she shut up and sit down. Apologizing after the fact is the right thing to do, but his words should have never been uttered in the first place.
UNCLE MITCHEE , IS SAYING )> OUT OF RESPECT FOR THE PEOPLE , AM VERY SORRY I FLEXED OFF ON YOU , BUT ,WE ALL KNOW YOU HAD REALLY NEED STRAIGHTENING OUT , AND ALSO I APOLOGIZE IT HAPPENED IN THE ONCE HONORABLE HOA
This so-called apology is meaningless and weak. It’s only made in order to further the cause of his new party waste-of-time. He and his at-large colleague are both embarrassments to women and to the country.
Minister need to apologize to the whole BVI.
If she apologized for that stimulus cash?
JUDGE WIGGIE TRADE AGAIN , ALWAYS USING OTHER PEOPLE’S NAMES , EVEN THOUGH HE GOT AT LEAST 50 , TOTRY AND DECIEVE US , IF THE MAN DID SOMETHING WRONG AND APOLOGIZE FOR HIS ERROR , WHO ARE YOU TO DETERMINE WHAT HE SHOULD FO OTHERWISE ❓️ ARE YOU JESUS ❓️ AS YOU DOES HOLL NOUT ” FREE THE WEED / ” FREE THE DREW ” ( YOUR HERO) WHICH YOU HELP TO BRIND DOWN , BY ASSOCIATION, / TRY HOLLERING OUT ” FREE MY MIND FROM ALL EVILNESS ” , AND STAY ON YOUR RACIST YELLO SITE
I ain’t no wiggie boss.
Ain’t got time for foolishness. Country need to move forward with progressive people.
All some of you all care for is sensationalism. Set of waste.
Mitch is not my favorite person, but there was no need for a public apology in this instance because what was said was not done publicly or in the earshot of the public. The HOA was in recess, which means they were in a back room eating snacks. Sharie’s head is getting too fat for her body.
Jewel is very pretty lady
Much respect Honourable Turnbull.
You are a Gentkeman.
A rarity in these parts.
Thank Yoh!