Barbados Labour Party MP William Duguid has scored some points among online readers for saying sorry for his shocking outburst in the House of Assembly last Tuesday.
Many were impressed when last Friday at a Press conference, Duguid apologized for falling “far short” of the traditions and standards of Barbados’ 300-year-old Parliament.
He said his outburst was provoked by a Democratic Labour Party MP’s insult of his family members.
Our readers also pressed for an apology from “the other side”.
Our own Facebook readers joined the debate and shared their views.
Derico Weir: Dr Duguid, apology accepted. You prove yourself to be a man among the ranks. I admire your humility and fortitude to apologize to the nation.
It sets a good precedent for the youth, and shows you deserving of your place within the sacred halls of the parliamentary sanctuary. We all do make mistakes, but the move to take responsibility after the action is where true forgiveness is deserving. Well done, Doc.
Carl Harper: Dr Duguid, you have demonstrated that you are the bigger man for issuing an apology for your inappropriate remarks in Parliament. You have always been known in the House as a feisty and outstanding debater. It is unfortunate that you felt provoked to the point where you descended from your usual high standard.
It is now left for the DLP member to also reveal his size by coming forward and apologizing to members of the House and wider public for the part he played in the incident.
Piper Jordan: Mr Duguid has shown a sense of maturity and shall be forever respected for [it]. When a man has been insulted, he will defend himself, especially when he is insulted about his family; he is only human.
Again, I applaud Mr Duguid on his apology. May he be viewed as a respectable man.
King Bernard: The BLP always takes the lead. Well done, Mr Duguid. This is better than to be in denial. You are a gentleman. Proud of you, Doc.
Kemar Sobers: Mr Duguid did what the average person would have done if provoked about their family continuously. We all react in displeasing ways at times when angry; but it takes a mature person to say an apology, and a mature person to accept and move on.
In addition, it was unfortunate his mic was on when this occurred as he was asked to stop speaking . . . . The operator of the mics should have turned [his] off, as there was some delay and the other speaker was on the floor already.
• Carol Martindale is the Nation’s Online Editor.
