Some years ago a certain national newspaper likened the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and People’s National Party (PNP) parliamentarians to gangs. They were dubbed the gangs of Gordon House. Recent occurrences in that so-called honourable House have helped to solidify this designation, which is fast moving from perception to reality — and it is a frightening scenario.

Indeed, one wonders if at some time in the near future the nation may not see the eruption of physical altercations as the verbal clashes have become more and more virulent. Wednesday’s stormy sitting during National Security and Peace Minister Dr Horace Chang’s presentation with respect to the controversial decision by the Government to enter into an agreement with the Donald Trump Administration to accept third-country nationals saw Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness vociferously accusing Westmoreland Eastern Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Dayton Campbell of being a bully.

Exchanges during that stormy session got so heated and uncontrollable that House Speaker Juliet Holness had to suspend the sitting for five minutes — a wise decision as members on both sides of the House champed at the bit as all hell broke loose. Deputy Leader of Opposition Business in the House Natalie Neita-Garvey is to be commended for her timely and reasoned interventions, delivered in a calm and professional manner, which helped to guide the House Speaker along a less confrontational path.