PNP condemns Wilson for 'disruptive' behaviour at Emancipation vigil

 

The People's National Party is condemning what it describes as unacceptable behaviour exhibited by Jamaica Labour Party Member of Parliament Morland Wilson at an Emancipation vigil in Westmoreland on Wednesday night.

 

The event was organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission in collaboration with the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation.

 

It is alleged that Mr. Wilson, who was slated to read the Prime Minister's Emancipation message during the civic ceremony, was not allowed to do so because he arrived late.

 

It is further alleged that when he was informed that he could no longer read the Prime Minister's message, due to established protocols, Mr. Wilson responded in an unruly manner.

 

Junior Shadow Spokesperson on the Creative Industries Dr. Olivia Rose said despite explanations from the event organisers and the intervention of the police, Mr. Wilson persisted in his unacceptable behaviour.

 

Video footage showed Mr. Wilson seemingly touching the sound system before police led him away from a boisterous crowd.

 

The opposition spokesperson said the cherished annual tradition was marred by MP Wilson's disruptive actions, which prevented the customary reading of the Emancipation Proclamation on the eve of Emancipation Day. 

 

"Punctuality, as we know, is a mark of respect for our cultural practitioners, our audiences and our fellow stakeholders. It is essential for the smooth execution of events and reflects a commitment to professionalism and efficiency in the creative industries. Furthermore, we strongly uphold the importance of freedom of expression, which is a fundamental right also enshrined in the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, to which Jamaica is a signatory. Therefore, we are calling for a full investigation into this incident and appropriate disciplinary action against Mr. Wilson," Dr. Rose insisted. 

 

Efforts to reach Mr. Wilson for a comment were unsuccessful.