PSOJ calls for action over Warmington’s racial remarks against Golding

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) says it vehemently condemns the recent racially charged remarks made by Government Member of Parliament Everald Warmington targeted at Opposition leader Mark Golding.

During a political meeting at the Tivoli Gardens High School in Kingston, Warmington declared that "he would rather die than be led by a white, British man," referring to Golding.

He further suggested that the Opposition leader should "seek office in Britain, where he believes he would be more comfortable."

The PSOJ says these inflammatory remarks, delivered from a position of political authority and before an audience at an educational institution, represent a dangerous and deliberate attempt to inject racial division into Jamaica's political discourse.

“These statements are particularly alarming as they threaten to resurrect one of the darkest chapters in Jamaica's political history,” said the organisation in a statement today.

“The PSOJ must emphasise that such rhetoric eerily echoes the divisive political discourse in Jamaica's past which was marked by deep social upheaval, economic instability, and tragic political violence. We cannot and must not allow our nation to be dragged backwards into an era where political differences were inflamed by racial and class divisions, resulting in profound national trauma that took generations to heal,” it added.

PSOJ renewed its call for Warmington to be held accountable for his conduct.

“We especially condemn that these statements were made at the Tivoli Gardens High School, an educational institution where young minds are shaped. The corrosive effect of such rhetoric on our youth cannot be understated. This incident poses a serious risk of normalising discriminatory speech among our future generations, who deserve exemplary leadership from their elected officials rather than displays of divisive politics that harken back to our nation's darkest days.”

The PSOJ says the Office of the Political Ombudsman, now operating within the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ), should urgently intervention in the situation.

“The current situation demands a comprehensive review of enforcement mechanisms within the Political Code of Conduct, with the establishment of clear, enforceable consequences for breaches of this nature.

“The integration of the political ombudsman's office into the ECJ framework makes this moment particularly crucial for demonstrating institutional effectiveness in addressing serious violations of political conduct. The PSOJ acknowledges this dual mandate but emphasises that this restructuring must not result in any diminishment of the office's authority to address such egregious breaches of proper political conduct.”

The PSOJ says Jamaica's business community stands united in rejecting any attempt to reintroduce divisive racial politics into the national discourse, saying such behaviour not only undermines democratic principles and social cohesion but also threatens the stable business environment that is crucial for sustained economic growth and development.

“Our international partners and potential investors closely monitor our political stability and social climate. The inflammatory rhetoric of this nature risks damaging Jamaica's reputation as a mature democracy and an attractive destination for investment.”

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