So as March - Woman's Month - draws to a close, it is with extreme disappointment that When Steel Talks finds itself commenting on the unfortunate and disrespectful turn of events visited upon at Ms Bishop as outlined in one of Trinidad and Tobago national newspapers.
What has been done cannot never be undone and no apology can ever make amends. And there lies the problem. Someone thought they could do this and get away with it in broad daylight - or worse they did not, and do not - care.
Can the untalented plebe who set this action in motion swim in one bead of sweat off of Ms. Bishop’s brow? Most likely not. Clearly someone simply lost their mind.
Needless to say this is not the way we expected to wrap up Women's month. Ms. Bishop is more than a cultural icon - she is a Sister in Pan. Furthermore, Ms. Bishop speaks her mind and is not afraid to have an opinion.
Be assured Ms. Bishop will continue to be heard.
WST
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‘I AM SORRY DR PAT BISHOP’
By Helen Drayton Independent Senator Sunday, March 28 2010
click on pic to zoom inHelen Drayton...« prev photo next photo »Over the past month I have heard the word civility on several occasions. What was a coincidence or perhaps not, is that I heard it from people in London, America and here at home. On each occasion the question was posed as to whether “we have lost civility.”
In London it had to do with the tension and acrimony over the abuse of allowances by parliamentarians, in the USA the divide over health care reform and here, during the recent debate in our Senate on the motion with respect to “showing gratitude” to our past presidents and prime ministers.
I understand only too well the power of repetition. The more you hear, or repeat something, the more it becomes internalised. I did not, therefore, surprise myself when that same word, which is such a beautiful word — civility — came to mind when I read about the appalling treatment of Dr Pat Bishop. I have yet to hear anything from the powers that be, that it was because of miscommunication, or preferably, to read or hear through the normal public channels of communication, that no directive was given to remove the distinguished lady from the agenda by the Minister of Culture or anyone in her Ministry. Maybe, Dr Bishop has received a private apology. I really don’t know and it does not matter because the fact remains that the public has been left to believe that orders came from the Ministry of Culture to excise our Trinity Cross holder from the agenda of a special event.
I have reason to believe that something uncivil and ugly did happen. Dr Pat Bishop is a citizen who dignifies our art and culture, our country, shares her time, talent and skills freely to uplift battered communities and does not deserve to be treated with disrespect, ungratefulness and incivility. No citizen deserves to be treated that way.
When we speak of civility we refer also to courtesy and graciousness. What also comes to mind as I pen this article is a statement I jotted down some time ago. Regrettably, I cannot recall the author. It was this: “My thesis is that any organisation of society which depresses free and spontaneous melding is on the decline however showy its immediate spoils. I maintain that in such a society liberty is gone, little as its members may know it, that the nirvana of the individual is too high a price for a collective paradise.”
Now, I do not believe that anyone has fantasises about how challenging the times are, or living in a collective paradise; nor do I believe that liberty has gone from our society. You only have to read and hear the media by the minute especially Newsday — or, get on the road if you have not mastered the art of defensive driving. However, I do believe that there is less civility in our daily existence and more arrogance.
I am not one to jump to conclusions, so I cannot say, or leave the reader to believe that I know that the Minister gave the directive; but, leaders have an obligation to communicate with their public, if only, to say unconditionally, “I am sorry, the situation should never have occurred and I sincerely apologise.” Anything else is unacceptable. An apology puts one on neutral ground, especially at this time when many are not likely to believe or want to hear anything else.
But, let me be presumptuous and suggest to the Ministry some appropriate words for an apology.
“Dear Dr Bishop, I am sorry for what happened. It is most regrettable that My Ministry threw away the opportunity to hear what you had to say, for in the long run it is only our talented people and outstanding artists such as yourself who can give credibility and beauty to our institutions. We need the wisdom and intelligence of our distinguished sons and daughters to guide and mentor the next generation of artists in the National Academy for Performing Arts. That is what will give it character. I acknowledge that it is only when the sounds of music, the footsteps of dancers, the call of drums, the rapport of tassa and the applause of the man in the street are heard in the halls only then, could it become a thing of beauty.
Also, I acknowledge profound views with respect to the substance of our National Museum, a special heritage building that houses the history and artworks of our people. I acknowledge that there are some things citizens hold almost sacred, and that our precious museum imbues the city with character. By preserving its purpose, we signify to our children that we value our history, beautiful traditions, our solid foundation –substance; that we value as a people.
I accept that wrong was done to you. Please accept my sincerest apology.”
Yours respectfully
Ministry of Culture
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© newsday.co.tt - www.newsday.co.tt
WST needs to give the full story and try to explain why everyone did not boycott the damn show, rather than go along with the mis-deeds of one who could not swim comfortably in a regular sized pool far less than in "one bead of sweat off Ms. Bishop's brow"..
Pat Bishop snubbed - Govt gags Pat BishopPosted by Pan Woman on March 22, 2010 at 12:58pm in Uncategorized
There are links to T&T newspapers to help provide some background...hope this info helps.
This sentence sums it up. The person responsible for giving such an instruction is indeed "an untalented and, evidently, uneducated plebe". However, it is to be noted that this IS the style of Government that we have brought on ourselves. There is no regard for the people, even talented, well respected, educated persons like Ms Bishop who has contributed so much to this Country, especially in the areas om music and pan. Of course Ms. Bishop must continued to be heard, We must ensure it.
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