Dear Editor,

In the iconic animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, there exists a city that has isolated itself from all outside influences and information, including about the ongoing war being waged by the Fire Nation. When Aang and his team arrive to warn the citizens and leadership of the approaching danger, they encounter people going about their business with no sense of urgency or purpose. Their efforts to communicate the fact that sudden destruction is rapidly approaching are met with disdain, scepticism, or outright dismissal. One phrase used by the local government officials to brainwash residents, prevent panic, and silence dissent is: “There is no war in Ba Sing Se.”

The People’s National Party (PNP) appears dedicated to maintaining an air of utopian denialism. No matter what is said, by whom, about whichever subject, variations of the standard responses are rolled out: We are not aware of/We deny wrongdoing. The steadfast rejection of plainly obvious truths is a sight to behold, especially in the information age when statements can be fact-checked within seconds.

How does the PNP find itself embroiled in financial scandals while in Opposition? This is a bizarre and unprecedented occurrence. Based on reports from early 2025 and 2026, allegations emerged regarding leaked audio and text messages involving PNP officials and the diversion of resources within the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) for strategic purposes, particularly towards divisions with pending by-elections. These accusations were staunchly denied by the party, and, predictably, after a while, the discussions ceased, and life continued.

Then we come to the topic of JACDEN Group of Companies and University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI). The auditor general reported that the UHWI “misused” its tax-exempt status to import goods for four private companies. While the four companies were not named in the report, JACDEN — whose CEO is the Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) for St Andrew East Central Dennis Gordon — was identified by at least one media house as being one of the four.

When the PNP was asked at a press conference whether JACDEN was involved, the party denied knowing anything about it. JACDEN, through its legal representatives, sent letters to media organisations that named JACDEN and Gordon as beneficiaries of UHWI’s misuse of its tax-exempt privileges. The letters denied wrongdoing and demanded retractions and apologies, threatening legal action.

Weeks later, it was confirmed at a Public Accounts Committee meeting that JACDEN did, in fact, benefit from the misuse of UHWI’s tax exemption. MP Gordon again denied any wrongdoing, dismissed calls for his resignation as political games, said the dialysis machines procured by JACDEN saved lives, and urged people to be mindful of the impact of these accusations on his mother. Never mind that goods were imported in breach of the Customs Act.

The very first line of the PNP’s latest media release, attributed to Party President Mark Golding, states the following: “Based on the facts made available to me, I have seen nothing to suggest that JACDEN has broken any law.” This staggering dedication to maintaining a façade of serenity in the face of clear public opprobrium would be commendable, were it not so deleterious to the party’s integrity.

I note that some are eager to move on, stating that JACDEN has now paid the outstanding fees and this should conclude the matter. While a commendable and appropriate first step, making restitution does not retroactively sanitise bad behaviour.

The PNP continues to gaslight itself and the Jamaican people to its own peril. But far be it from me to advise them.

Oyeton Clarke

oyetonclarke@gmail.com