Dear Editor,

During a parliamentary meeting in March 2023 Jamaica’s Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke made a comment in which he referred to Opposition Leader Mark Golding as Massa Mark.

However, his comments have drawn criticism, with many people in Jamaica and across the world raising concerns that Dr Clarke’s use of the term could be seen as racially insensitive and offensive.

Massa Mark is a representation of a historically white slave master in Jamaica’s colonial history, so the use of the character could be interpreted as a reference to a time when white slave masters controlled the lives of enslaved people in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries.

In response to his comments, Dr Clarke defended himself, stating that he did not intend to be racially insensitive and that the word “massa” is regularly used in the Jamaican lexicon and no longer has racist connotations. He also claimed that his reference was to describe the Opposition’s behaviour as unwelcome and intrusive, not to make any derogatory racial remarks.

However, while Dr Clarke’s comments may not have been intended to cause offence, they are open to interpretation and could be viewed in different ways. Given the history and connotations associated with the term, it would be more appropriate for him to be more sensitive and cognizant of these issues when using such colloquial phrases in a public forum.

Regardless of his true intentions, his words have caused offence to some, and this necessitates an apology from him.

It’s crucial to be mindful of the potential impact of our words and actions, particularly in the public sphere as racism is a pervasive problem globally. We must all work together to recognise and address it in all its forms.

Mario Brown

Montego Bay

marr1989@yahoo.com