KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dr Christopher Tufton, Member of Parliament (MP) for St Catherine West Central, has taken issue with People’s National Party (PNP) caretaker Andre Haughton, who recently described his personal decision to enter political service as a “downgrade” for himself.

Haughton made the remark during an interview on The Trailblazers with Tamara McKayle TV, explaining that his decision to enter politics was a step down from his former career as a technocrat.

The PNP caretaker for St James West Central explained that in his technocrat role, he often made recommendations to the Government, some of which were accepted and others rejected.

“The Government in power decides which of that they want to keep and which they want to throw out even when your prescriptions are important to benefit the advancement of the country,” he shared.

He continued, “I thought long and hard about it and said okay I know that being a politician is a downgrade to who I am now but at the same time if I have to downgrade myself to ensure that the rest of Jamaica upgrades then it’s a sacrifice worth making.”

Responding to the comment on Monday, Dr Tufton said, “On the contrary, we in the Jamaica Labour Party are of the view that electing to serve the people of Jamaica via representational politics is one of the highest and most important callings and most certainly does not represent a downgrade of a person.”

“Dr Haughton’s remarks reflect what appears to be a condescending attitude in the PNP where they clearly believe they are better than the people and are of the view that serving the people of Jamaica is somehow beneath them. Haughton’s mindset is unfortunate and should be called out as yet another signal that the PNP team is not ready for leadership,” Dr Tufton said.

He emphasised that political service should be seen as an opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.

“Regardless of whether an individual has achieved a doctorate, political service does not downgrade those who choose to get involved, but presents real and important opportunities to do what matters the most, it presents a chance to improve the lives of our fellow citizens, including those who may require assistance and real representation,” Dr Tufton added.

The MP said it is clear that the PNP and their candidates “view themselves as better than the citizens of Jamaica who they are asking to give them the chance to access political power”.