KINGSTON, Jamaica — People’s National Party (PNP) Councillor Mario Mitchell says he suspended a member of his team who he claimed made vulgar posts to his social media account without his approval in response to a man who was enquiring about the absence of visible drainage on a road Mitchell had repaired.

The councillor for the Bellefield Division in Manchester Central came under pressure on Monday following a series of responses to a post on the platform X (formerly Twitter) in which he shared a photo of the newly rehabilitated road, triggering a question from one user who asked, “Where are the drains?”

A post from his account told the user, “Check your mom. Like her, they (the drains) run deep and wide to everyone.”

In another post seeming to justify the prior interaction, Mitchell’s account said, “Run in on me & think I am going to stay quiet. You have a next thing coming. My freedom of speech eight will ensure you get a healthy and hearty SYM.”

However, the councillor in a statement on Tuesday said the posts were made by a member of his team without his approval who has since been suspended.

“I recently became aware of deeply inappropriate responses posted from my social media account. These posts were made by a member of my team without my review or approval. I take full responsibility for the content shared in my name. The individual involved has been suspended, and I am reviewing internal protocols to ensure this does not happen again,” Mitchell said.

“I unreservedly apologise to all who were offended. The remarks do not reflect my values, my principles or the professional standards I strive to uphold. Respectful dialogue, especially in the public space, must remain a priority. Thank you for holding me accountable,” he added.

READ: Gov’t condemns PNP councillor for ‘disrespect’ to the public and Jamaica mothers