JLP blasts Bunting for likening Nigel Clarke to colonial-type black Englishman

General Secretary of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Dr Horace Chang has condemned the statement of People's National Party (PNP's) Peter Bunting likening the Labourites' St Andrew North Western candidate Dr Nigel Clarke to colonial masters. 

Bunting is the Central Manchester Member of Parliament.

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IN PHOTO: Dr Nigel Clarke

"The comments could be considered classist and elitist; insinuating that hardworking Jamaicans who better themselves, become educated and enjoy social mobility; are to be frowned upon and judged," Chang said in a statement today. 

READ: Nigel Clarke leaves colonial taste in Bunting's mouth 

According to Chang, Clarke is a Jamaican patriot who is to be displayed as an example to young people and particularly young men across the island rather than being ridiculed for bettering himself through education and hard work.

"Not everyone was born with a gold spoon and I am not surprised by Bunting's 'poor taste' in judgement. He is far removed from the realities of the Jamaican social climate and believes that our politicians should not be chosen from the best among us" the JLP General Secretary stated. 

WATCH: Bunting on Nigel Clarke

Chang said the JLP is proud of Clarke as a classy candidate and the party will continue to seek good Jamaicans to represent the people of Jamaica.

He said Clarke is proven, a scholar, a steward, a philanthropist, and an ambassador and will soon make a very successful member of parliament.  

Clarke is today facing off with the PNP's Keisha Hayle in the St Andrew North West by-election.

In the meantime, Chang wants Bunting to retract the statements made on social media likening Clarke to a "black Englishman of colonial times who aspired to be sort of black royalty".

"We should all aim to be regal in our own country regardless of our backgrounds and should not be seen as a reproach for chasing prosperity and opportunity," Chang said.

Five things about Dr Nigel Clarke:
1.Chairman and co founder of non-profit organisations, the National Youth Orchestra of Jamaica and Tedx Jamaica.
2. Has been director of several large private and public sector companies.
3. Recipient of the '50 under 50 Business leader award' as well as the Kiwanis Community Service Award. 
4. Holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of the West Indies as well as M.Sc. and D. Phill. Degrees in Mathematics from Oxford University.
5. Jamaica Independence Scholar, a Commonwealth Scholar and a Rhodes Scholar.

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