Nassau, Bahamas - 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% – 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.