KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party Women’s Movement has condemned the sexually explicit remarks made by Isat Buchanan, the party’s Human Rights chair, regarding Director of Public Prosecutions, Paula Llewelyn.

In a statement on Monday, president of the PNP Women’s Movement, Patricia Duncan Sutherland, emphasised that Buchanan’s statement goes against the principles and values that the party upholds and said it further stresses the “need for extensive efforts to reshape the Jamaican mindset regarding the treatment and portrayal of women.”

“True transformation can only occur if our country’s leaders set a positive example for our citizens,” Duncan Sutherland said.

She added that she appreciates the “swift action taken by the leaders of the People’s National Party, distancing themselves from the offensive comments, as it sends a clear message that such inappropriate utterances will not be tolerated within the PNP.”

“We are fully aware of the pressing gender inequality issue and normalised violence against women in our country. As we strive to build a society grounded in equality and social justice, the People’s National Party remains steadfast in our commitment to transforming the power dynamics between men and women,” the statement continued. “Our swift acceptance of Mr Buchanan’s resignation upon learning of the unfortunate incident demonstrates our consistent stance against all forms of abuse or violence towards women.”

In an interview with a blogger, Buchanan quoted a sexually explicit lyric by Kartel in reference to Llewellyn. A video clip of the remark has gone viral online. In light of Buchanan’s comments, Gender Affairs Minister Olivia Grange called on PNP President Mark Golding to immediately fire Buchanan.

READ: Grange calls for PNP sacking of Buchanan, GLC probe over ‘nasty’ comments about DPP

Buchanan has since resigned from the post after mounting pressure from the public.

READ: Buchanan resigns as PNP human rights chairman after crude remarks about DPP