Dear Editor,
Coming out of the recent meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the People's National Party (PNP), we are told that there was a robust discussion regarding the membership of former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) firebrand Joan Gordon-Webley. There were strong arguments for and against her application and, in the end, as a compromise, it was agreed that the issue would be referred to the approving body (the executive committee) for certain issues to be clarified. In all of this, however, Gordon-Webley remains a member of the PNP.
As I understand it, much of the consternation by those who opposed Gordon-Webley's membership stems from remarks made at a JLP political meeting some eight years ago, in 2007, where it is alleged that she likened the party leader to the biblical character Jezebel. Gordon-Webley has consistently denied using the term to describe Portia Simpson Miller and had asked for the full speech to be made public to vindicate her. She said this was never done and to this day her detractors continue to use those remarks, which she said were taken out of context, against her. In the absence of the full tape, I have to give Gordon-Webley the benefit of the doubt as I know how media can be vicious, particularly when it involves politicians.
Another reason for backing Gordon-Webley on this is that a quick check on the Google search engine, for those who are interested in truth, will reveal that, in a statement carried on May 1, 2007, Gordon-Webley fully withdrew the contentious remark. The headline in the Jamaica Observer was 'Gordon-Webley withdraws Jezebel remark'. This was eight years ago!
Now, I find it curious, if not suspicious, that no media house has made mention of this. So tell me, what is this brouhaha about really? I have concluded that it is much ado about nothing.
Personally, I refuse to accept that our Simpson Miller would be so petty to allow bantering on the political platform by an opponent, eight years ago, to impact what is a clever and strategic political move. Beyond that, I find it fascinating and downright hypocritical that present senator and UDC chairman KD Knight, who made very unsavoury remarks about Simpson Miller during the PNP leadership race, would now seek to join those opposing Gordon-Webley's admittance.
I urge Comrades to avoid majoring in the petty, and instead join with those embracing Comrade Joan. Utilise her political skills to help the party remain in power. That is the PNP I know.
This is no longer 1980. Snap out of it! Move on! It's 2015.
Everton McLean
Hope Pastures, St Andrew
evertonmcleanja@gmail.com
'Jezebel' remark rehash much ado about nothing
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Coming out of the recent meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the People's National Party (PNP), we are told that there was a robust discussion regarding the membership of former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) firebrand Joan Gordon-Webley. There were strong arguments for and against her application and, in the end, as a compromise, it was agreed that the issue would be referred to the approving body (the executive committee) for certain issues to be clarified. In all of this, however, Gordon-Webley remains a member of the PNP.
As I understand it, much of the consternation by those who opposed Gordon-Webley's membership stems from remarks made at a JLP political meeting some eight years ago, in 2007, where it is alleged that she likened the party leader to the biblical character Jezebel. Gordon-Webley has consistently denied using the term to describe Portia Simpson Miller and had asked for the full speech to be made public to vindicate her. She said this was never done and to this day her detractors continue to use those remarks, which she said were taken out of context, against her. In the absence of the full tape, I have to give Gordon-Webley the benefit of the doubt as I know how media can be vicious, particularly when it involves politicians.
Another reason for backing Gordon-Webley on this is that a quick check on the Google search engine, for those who are interested in truth, will reveal that, in a statement carried on May 1, 2007, Gordon-Webley fully withdrew the contentious remark. The headline in the Jamaica Observer was 'Gordon-Webley withdraws Jezebel remark'. This was eight years ago!
Now, I find it curious, if not suspicious, that no media house has made mention of this. So tell me, what is this brouhaha about really? I have concluded that it is much ado about nothing.
Personally, I refuse to accept that our Simpson Miller would be so petty to allow bantering on the political platform by an opponent, eight years ago, to impact what is a clever and strategic political move. Beyond that, I find it fascinating and downright hypocritical that present senator and UDC chairman KD Knight, who made very unsavoury remarks about Simpson Miller during the PNP leadership race, would now seek to join those opposing Gordon-Webley's admittance.
I urge Comrades to avoid majoring in the petty, and instead join with those embracing Comrade Joan. Utilise her political skills to help the party remain in power. That is the PNP I know.
This is no longer 1980. Snap out of it! Move on! It's 2015.
Everton McLean
Hope Pastures, St Andrew
evertonmcleanja@gmail.com
'Jezebel' remark rehash much ado about nothing
-->