‘THAT’S INSULTING!’ DIFFERENT STROKES FOR PMs

PRIME MINISTER Dr. Keith Rowley’s “Kiss my a****” rebuke of political activist Inshan Ishmael is being treated differently from an outburst from a previous national leader.

In 2001, Basdeo Panday, as Prime Minister, told television journalist Natalie Williams “That’s insulting,” in response to a question on a controversial issue.

Panday ran into a barrage of criticisms from media houses, commentators and other prominent nationals.

Rowley’s peevish remark has not generated much national outrage.

Some are stating that the mild response to Rowley’s comment is a result of the fact that Ishmael is known to be a provocateur who is regularly needling public officials.

Others are speculating that the subdued response has to do with political bias from the elite media and influencers.

Others suggest that the country has become immune to Rowley’s outlandish declarations.

They recall that he had been depicted more than 10 years ago by then-Prime Minister Patrick Manning as having “wajang” (boorish) behaviour.

Prominent attorney Israel Khan has said that “a prime minister’s character and personality must be made of sterner stuff.”

Khan termed the “outrageous, vulgar outburst” as “rotten and debased behaviour for a prime minister.”