Pearnel should apologise

The Editor, Sir:

Minister Pearnel Charles hit a new low during a radio interview yesterday with Beverley Anderson-Manley on her programme 'Today'.

He made a most unfortunate and offensive comment in reference to the president of the Nurses' Association of Jamaica, Mrs Edith Allwood Anderson, on her insistence to have audience with the prime minister and the minister of finance.

"If you can't understand uptown language then maybe you shouldn't leave downtown." This statement smacks of gross insensitivity and decadence.

Minister Charles, you need to apologise immediately to Mrs Edith Allwood-Anderson, the nurses and every citizen of Jamaica for this very backward utterance.

Then again, following on the heels of that 'lubricated conduit' comment made by the PM in parliament, it is perhaps an indication of the times in which we are living - classism, and disrespect for women.

With regards Mrs Edith Allwood Anderson, a lef Pearnel to har.

I hope my language is easily understood.

I am, etc.,

FAE A. ELLINGTON

fae@mail.infochan.com