Wright demands apology from Golding

Controversial Westmoreland Central Member of Parliament George Wright is demanding an apology from Opposition Leader Mark Golding, who he has accused of verbally assaulting him during Thursday’s ceremonial opening of Parliament. Here are some readers’ reactions from The Gleaner’s Twitter and Facebook pages.

He does not understand that the contention at that time was not where he sits but rather, where he was walking. He was right beside @MarkJGolding, as if he was a member of the Opposition team. Man moof fran deh! moof – @convos_with_al

Mr Wright, you can march by yourself if you are not welcome. Why you want to be with people who don’t want you in their company? PNP didn’t throw you out. Contend with those who throw you out. – @ Floyd Palmer

Mark is very much right. No apologies needed. – @ Danalia Duncan

Mark Golding did nothing wrong. George is independent and should have walked in ahead of the Opposition or walk behind them. He was walking right beside as if he was a part of the parliamentary opposition. – @ Alton A. Reid

Mark Golding, you owe him no apology. If he’s an independent candidate, why not walk by himself. He doesn’t have any place over the opposition side. Seems like the Opposition not respected as a part of the Government. – @Miriam Prayalways

Mark Golding, we stand up with u. You don’t do anything wrong. He is a labourite; he is not an independent. – @ Judith Thompson Thompson

Guys, only togetherness can bring about changes. Jamaica is in dire straits, I am tired of these petty squabbles amongst adult people. People who are meant to be the face of the nation. – @ Lisa Allen

I don’t see a problem if George walk behind or in front. The man has a right to walk on the government road. These politicians are something else. – @ Ray Holness

Who is the “they made him sit with us”? Where should he sit? In the ceiling? – @ Simone Stephanie

If they have a problem with you sitting on their side of the house, then why on earth would you think it would be OK with them for you to march alongside them? Mr Wright, you have NO shame. Remember you are an “independent “ member sir. – @ Normain Quinland

We talk about uniting the country daily and yet, on the other hand, we instigate disunity. Two wrongs don’t make a situation right. So even if George was wrong, Mr Golding and other senior members could have dealt with it better. That could have been them getting back that seat next election. – @David Sylvester Mitchell

Compiled by Khanique McDaniel