Rowley defends Tim Kee’s mis-speak but... Mayor apologises

Rowley defends Tim Kee’s mis-speak but...
Mayor apologises

Gail Alexander
Published: Guardian
Friday, February 12, 2016

Officials of the Japan Embassy leave the Forensic Science Centre, St James, in an heavily tinted vehicle after viewing the body of murdered national Asami Nagakiya yesterday. PHOTO: MARCUS GONZALES
While Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley says recent controversial remarks by Port-of-Spain mayor Raymond Tim Kee do not warrant his dismissal, the PM yesterday distanced his Government from any “victim blaming” perceived to have been done by Tim Kee.

Rowley made the point at his constituency office yesterday after Tim Kee’s reported controversial comments on the discovery of the body of Japanese tenor pan player Asami Nagakiya on Wednesday caused a public furore.

Tim Kee’s statements, which appeared to link the woman’s death to a culture of lewdness, has garnered widespread criticism from feminists, women’s rights groups, politicians and other stakeholders.

Under pressure, Tim Kee yesterday apologised to all women and T&T, claiming his comments were taken out of context but women’s groups and Opposition leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar have called for Tim Kee’s removal, saying an apology isn’t enough.

Yesterday, Rowley said he may have “misspoken” on the matter but it was no reason for his dismissal. He also stressed his Government did not support victim blaming.

A number of women’s rights activists plan to protest outside Tim Kee’s office today. A protest is also planned for outside the T&T High Commission in London. An online petition seeking Tim Kee’s dismissal has so far garnered more than 4,000 signatures.

Tim Kee’s apology, which came via statement from his office, stated: “His Worship the Mayor unequivocally apologises to women and the national population who were offended by remarks attributed to him following the death of Carnival visitor and mas player, Asami Nagakiya.

“Mayor Tim Kee says his comments were completely misconstrued and one particular headline unfortunately stated ‘PoS mayor criticises women’ drawing fire even before the article was read.

“Mayor Tim Kee said he advised women to take responsibility and protect themselves, as so many women are the victims of abuse at the hands of others.”

The statement said Tim Kee agreed “his comments could have been considered out of line.”

But it maintained that despite the anger being expressed from many quarters, including feminist groups and activists, “he has also received calls of support from several women agreeing with him on the lack of modesty displayed by some women and girls on the streets during Carnival.”

Tim Kee’s statement added: “There is indeed a concern about the behaviour of both male and female mas players generally, as they are now being emulated by children who believe that lewd behaviour and Carnival go hand-in-hand.

“It is with deep regret to have to speak of the death of Ms Nagakiya, who has been a welcome visitor and close friend of the steelband community in T&T for several years.”

Yesterday, Communication Minister Maxie Cuffie steered clear of commenting on Tim Kee’s statement at the post-Cabinet media briefing.

as I said about Tim Kee............. ::LOL:: ::LOL:: ::LOL:: ::LOL:: ::LOL::

the man is an arse..ah prejudice arse. 

his real intent and target was/is nig now Trinidadian males..di'ze who. but he disguise his code words not clear enuff and brought  himself into huge opprobrium with the women an dem.  the jackass!

he deserve all of it..Tim Kee...prejudiced skunt.  Rolwey shud fiyah his rarse. but I am sure by some side deh he enjoying chinee money,  bathing in it.  so Tim Kee stays

oh mi god! OH GUUUUUUUUUDDDDE!  in all my noise look at who RAYMOND TIM KEE IS

www.trinidadexpress.com/20160211/news/my...pletely-misconstrued

::LOL:: ::LOL:: ::LOL:: ::LOL::
::LOL:: ::LOL:: ::LOL::
::LOL:: ::LOL::
::LOL::

I STAND CORRECTED TO AN EXTENT.  DO I EVER!

:-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[
EMBARRASSED

I forget Trinidad is like dat..quite a few black people with Chinese names

Tim Kee look like a case of step father!