Press Releases
Kingston, Jamaica – March 20, 2024 – The People’s National Party’s Women’s Movement issues this press release to address the ongoing discourse surrounding the position of Speaker of the House in Jamaica.
It is evident that the conflict of interest arising from the spousal relationship between the Speaker of the House and the Prime Minister is a matter of concern that cannot be overlooked. This conflict would persist regardless of the genders involved, as the issue lies in the inherent conflict between the roles of Speaker and Prime Minister.
We emphasize that identifying this conflict is not an attack on an individual’s abilities or character. Instead, it is a necessary step in establishing a framework for appointment that upholds the integrity of the office and ensures it can effectively serve the Jamaican people.
Furthermore, we must not conflate legitimate discourse on matters concerning our nation with accusations of misogyny. Any attempt to do so would only hinder efforts toward achieving genuine gender parity and equality. Our goal is to ensure equal opportunities and equal accountability for all representatives, regardless of gender.
The PNPWM remains committed to upholding the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability in our parliamentary proceedings. We call on the government to address the legitimate concerns raised about the impartiality of the Speaker of the House and to prioritize the integrity of our democratic institutions.
