The Editor, Sir:

I'm a regular reader of Blakka's column; and having read his account of Dwight Nelson's reaction to references he made in his commentary on the Lisa Hanna issue, it is unclear to me why the writer would have felt compelled to "explain and apologise" to the senator or others of his ilk. Blakka was perhaps a little too gracious, as the tenor of his tangential reference to Mr. Seaga should have been clear to anyone with even a modicum of intelligence

That Mr. Nelson is presumably a public figure - the name is vaguely familiar - is all the more disappointing because it once again underscores the point that prominence is not the same as significance; and senatorial appointments/national honours do not automatically invest one with virtue.

Our public discourse is coarsened when louts such as Mr. Nelson set the tone, and are unable or unwilling to engage in a debate without resorting to baseless personal attacks. This is what happens when there is so much personality cult at play throughout the Caribbean, that even a passing reference to someone's hero - unless coached in the most glowing terms - is deemed an "attack" on the subject.

I am embarrassed for Dwight Nelson and any entity with which he is allied, as I am sure those who know him and are associated with him, should be. Sadly, I do not think Mr. Nelson is an aberration and I can just imagine him going on another flight of ignorance being egged on by a compliant amen corner comprising other boorish fellow travellers who would see nothing wrong with his conduct.

That, ultimately, is the sad testament of this entire episode.

Regards,

Marlon

St. Aubyn