RECORDING artiste Pamputtae is imploring mothers to uphold the right values and be responsible in their actions, as negative repercussions could affect their children.

Pamputtae — who was a special guest at the ‘Mom & Me Expo’ hosted by Popup Events Ja at Devon House in St Andrew on Saturday — was speaking with the Jamaica Observer about a video that has been circulating since last week showing an alleged altercation between a soldier and a pregnant woman on Charles Street in Kingston. Two women, a mother and a daughter, were taken into custody. Residents have accused the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) of using excessive force. Tensions have been high in the community since the killing of Denham Town resident Horaine Glenn, 32, on April 16 — allegedly by a member of the security forces.

“Mothers should maintain an image as a strong, secure woman and remain empowered in the face of criticism. The lady is pregnant, she shouldn’t be out there in the first place. She should respect herself and know her worth. She should say to herself: ‘I have a youth and I will not jeopardise my life or my youth’s.’ I think the people around her were also wrong; that is why I don’t like followers. Everybody around her can’t be pushing badness. There should have been someone around her saying: ‘Girl, remember your baby and let’s put this to a end,’ ” reasoned Pamputtae.

Pamputtae, whose given name is Eveana Henry, expressed the importance of not being one-sided in our judgement of the incident and urged members of the JDF to maintain professionalism as they seek to ensure the safety and security of the residents .

“You have to be fair. Sometimes you see some things on social media but there is also three and four sides to the story. At first, I said: ‘Wow, I wonder if this man has a mother or a daughter?’ But at the end of the day, you don’t know what he was coping with at the time and at the place. Some of these women can be really provocative; however, I believe the soldiers should find means and ways how to deal with these incidents better. I believe they are trained in many different ways how to deal with this type of situation — and this should reflect when they go out into the field,” she said.

Pamputtae has enjoyed local success since being featured by Tony Matterhorn on the intro of his song Goodas Fi Them in 2006. Some of her popular songs include Slim vs Fluffy with Spice, Sticky Wine, Single Mother, Heart Clean, and Hand Full. She is currently promoting her song, God On Time, which is a collaboration with Minister Taneisha Shaw.

“My career has been going great. I have been getting a lot of shows and have new music to be released. My new song, God On Time, has been getting positive reviews and ripping up the place. Selectors have been playing it and getting ‘money pull up’. It’s really competing with the dancehall songs,” she added.