Former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson
By Kelesha Williams
Amidst heightened controversy among public officials, former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson is calling them out for their so-called 'vulgar and disturbing behaviour' on the political stage and other platforms.
Mr. Patterson says the ugly behaviour never attracts an increase of political support and will further divide the Jamaican people.
It's not often that the former prime minister comments on matters in the public discourse, but in a statement Thursday, Mr. Patterson said he was too disturbed by recent events to remain silent.
The four-page statement highlighted Jamaica’s journey to emancipation and the pride and politics of the nation.
Mr. Patterson vaguely pointed to utterances from some in the political sphere and positions of authority which he said belittle the nation and undermine respect for all.
He said: “The public is made to endure intensely negative public discourse that abuses, demeans, and vilifies others and instead of mutual respect, a small but vociferous number of our public speakers are consistently mean-spirited and vulgar."
Stressing that public respect is at an all-time low, Mr. Patterson warned that the behaviour could result in intolerable levels of partisan division, yield dangerous social tension in the island, and will never result in increased political support, especially as politicians seek to entice the younger generation.
While he steered clear of calling any names or identifying any specific matter, Mr. Patterson's comments came days after attorney Isat Buchanan resigned from the People’s National Party's Human Rights Commission for disrespectful comments he made about Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn on a YouTube show.
It also follows what has been described as disgraceful statements by PNP General Secretary Dr. Dayton Campbell at a political meeting, as well as the interdiction of Police Federation Chairman Corporal Rohan James for statements he made at the funeral of a slain police officer.
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