Political analyst calls for better vetting of entertainers at political events following Chronic Law profanity incident

Political analyst Damion Gordon is encouraging political representatives to be mindful of the entertainers they select to help garner support during their campaigns and to ensure that the artistes are properly vetted.

The lecturer in the Department of Government at The University of the West Indies, Mona, is suggesting that political parties consider using more wholesome entertainers who are more attuned to their audiences.

Gordon’s comments follow a recent incident in which popular dancehall entertainer Chronic Law uttered profanities while on stage at a People’s National Party (PNP) campaign event in the presence of Opposition Leader Mark Golding.

Fellow entertainer Popcaan, who was also on stage, quickly apologised for the outburst.

However, the incident has sparked backlash online, with many people expressing disgust at the entertainer’s behaviour, while acknowledging that the party should have known better, given Chronic Law’s personality.

Gordon, however, stated that the party should not be held responsible for the performer’s actions.

“You cannot blame the opposition leader or the opposition party. Obviously, they will not have any control over the performance itself. What we can blame them for is perhaps not vetting, given the track record of certain entertainers. You could argue that it is risky to have them perform in front of a political audience.”

Noting that political audiences mainly consist of mature people, Gordon suggested that it would be safer to choose artistes with a history of delivering more wholesome performances, rather than opting for riskier choices.

With this in mind, Gordon said, “The party has a responsibility in terms of the vetting process, and they could also have had a conversation prior to the performance about what is expected based on the occasion. They could have said, ‘This is the type of occasion, and we want you to maintain a particular type of decorum, use a specific language or tone,’ and I think that in itself is harmless. That is something that is doable.”

He also emphasised that, given Jamaica’s current political season, it is important for political representatives to bear in mind that their adversaries will be looking for anything to use against them in their campaigns.

“You don’t want to give your political opponents any ammunition that they can use against you.

“These are not the values that we expect from a government-in-waiting, and this is the narrative now being used against the PNP, even though the party would not have had any control over the performance itself or its direction. But there is heightened awareness that in the political season, anything can and will be used against you,” he said.

Given that profane language was used in the presence of political figures, Gordon suggested that some members of society—particularly those who view dancehall with disdain—may interpret this as an indication that the PNP is not aligned with decent and respectable values.

Nonetheless, Gordon stated that performers also have a personal duty to consider their audiences and the occasion, and tailor their delivery accordingly.

“A greater sense of personal responsibility rests with the artistes to perform and deliver their language in a way that is suitable for the specific occasion. So, some responsibility rests with the entertainer,” he said.

Chronic Law and Popcaan were on stage endorsing the candidacy of Danishka Williams during a political meeting in Cave Valley, St Ann, when the blunder occurred.

Williams, 31, a marketer and communications specialist, and the daughter of prominent businessman Danhai Williams, is aiming to unseat Jamaica Labour Party Member of Parliament for St Ann South West, Zavia Mayne.

- Tanesha Mundle

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