Dear Editor,

In recent weeks, the People’s National Party (PNP) has once again come under scrutiny for its treatment of individuals within its ranks and the communities it purports to serve.

The recent appointment of Steve McGregor as the caretaker for Kingston Central has unearthed a troubling pattern of behaviour that raises serious questions about the PNP’s commitment to genuine representation and respect for the people of Jamaica.

From the outset, McGregor’s inaugural address set a disconcerting tone. His comments — particularly when he said, “Mi a guh sit him dung an’ mi a go talk to him an’ ask him some questions,” — evoke an image of an authoritarian figure interrogating a vulnerable youth rather than a leader engaging with constituents in a respectful dialogue. This heavy-handed approach not only reflects a lack of sensitivity but also embodies a broader trend within the PNP: The tendency to treat people as mere pawns in a political game rather than as valued members of the community.

Moreover, McGregor’s remark thanking Lawrence Rowe for “holding the seat” is particularly telling. It reveals a callous disregard for Rowe’s contributions and the sacrifices he made while serving as a placeholder for the party. This kind of political manoeuvring undermines trust.

Mark Golding, the PNP leader, further compounded the issue with his condescending remarks about Rowe. By suggesting that the party now has “a real man” in McGregor, Golding not only belittled Rowe’s character but also perpetuated a toxic narrative that equates political worth with a certain type of bravado or machismo. This kind of rhetoric is not only disrespectful but also reinforces harmful stereotypes that have no place in modern politics.

Golding’s earlier comment, made a year ago, about surrounding himself with a group of “topanaris” to run the country, adds another layer of concern. This admission reveals a troubling reality within the PNP: a preference for individuals who fit a specific mould, often prioritising connections and elitism over genuine community engagement. By openly stating his intention to prioritise the “topanaris”, Golding has signalled a willingness to perpetuate a cycle of elitism that leaves many constituents feeling alienated and undervalued.

The PNP’s actions in Kingston Central are not isolated incidents, they reflect a broader pattern of behaviour that has characterised the party for years. The history of treating individuals poorly, particularly those who do not fit the party’s narrow definition of loyalty or success, is a stain on the PNP’s legacy. It raises critical questions about the party’s ability to genuinely represent the interests of the people it claims to serve.

As citizens of Jamaica we must demand better from our political leaders. The PNP must recognise that true leadership is rooted in respect, empathy, and a genuine commitment to uplifting all members of the community, not just those who align with a certain ideology or social standing.

It is time for the PNP to reflect on its past, acknowledge its shortcomings, and strive to build a more inclusive and respectful political culture, one that values every voice and treats every individual with dignity. Only then can the party hope to regain the trust of the people it seeks to represent.

Christopher McCurdy

christophe60@hotmail.com