Trevor Walker on Wednesday paid tribute to Sir Robin Yearwood for his 50 years of uninterrupted parliamentary service, while cautioning that rising political polarization could damage the next generation of leaders.

Speaking during a special sitting of Parliament to honor the St. Philip’s North representative, Walker said politics “is not for the faint-hearted” and requires maturity and tenacity to withstand personal attacks.

“If you’re not mature enough, you’re not going to last,” Walker said, adding that members must be able to leave heated exchanges in the chamber behind and avoid carrying them into personal relationships outside.

He warned that the increasingly polarized tone of politics on both sides could discourage young people from entering public life.

Walker described Sir Robin’s 50-year tenure as a “seminal moment” in the nation’s history, noting that few in the chamber would live to see such a milestone repeated.

He said the achievement transcended party lines and deserved national recognition, regardless of political differences.

At one point, Walker drew laughter in the chamber when he referenced a highly publicized past exchange in which Sir Robin had accused him of receiving a brown paper bag containing cash. Walker suggested he had forgiven the veteran lawmaker for the allegation, underscoring his broader message that political clashes should not become permanent personal grievances.

Walker said that despite receiving “blows” inside the House, he has remained committed to attending Parliament and engaging colleagues across the aisle.

“Coming here requires maturity,” he said, urging aspiring politicians to understand that sharp rhetoric in debate should never become personal hostility.

He concluded by congratulating Sir Robin on what he called an extraordinary accomplishment and described the day as one of the rare moments when the House stood in unison in recognition of service.