EDITOR, The Tribune.

Today’s Guardian featured story, “Moss Stands by Party Chairman - Vulgar video makes social media rounds after UDP announcement”, happened to be published on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.

The article stated that a video has resurfaced that stars C Allen Johnson, “demeaning a woman, using vile descriptions”. Newly formed United Democratic Party (UDP) chairman, Johnson, refused any comment, but sitting Member of Parliament and leader of the UDP Gregory Moss had a lot to say, considering claims that he had not seen the video(s).

Rather than dismissing the criticism against Johnson as a distraction from the merits of their party, a more responsible action would have been to refrain from making any comment until he reviewed the content in question.

More than a third of all women worldwide – 35.6 per cent – will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, usually from a male partner, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Cyber bullying is an act of violence.

Moss’ dismissal of the claims of cyber bullying against Johnson is a very disturbing trend we are seeing consistently from our elected officials. Gender based violence plagues The Bahamas, but we will make no substantial strides towards its elimination, until government leaders demonstrate zero tolerance. Instances such as these convey the blatant disregard that some of our politicians express regarding violence against women. It will no longer be tolerated.

TERNEILLE BURROWS

Nassau,

November 24, 2015.