The National Organization of Women (NOW), an affiliate of the Jamaica Labour Party, has condemned the comments of aspiring PNP Vice Presidents Ian Hayles and Richard Azan, made against first time Member of Parliament of Central Manchester Rhoda-Moy Crawford.

Gabrielle Hylton, vice president of the organisation, labeled the comments as archaic, desperate and reflective of how the present People’s National Party views youth and women in politics.

“The fact that Hayles and Azan categorised MP Crawford as ‘nothing’ and having mental challenges is a feeble attempt at trying to cover for the decimation of their proxy leader Peter Bunting, who was severely thrashed by Rhoda-Moy Crawford. The truth is, if we review the recent history of the PNP, their members take pride in tearing down women on political platforms at every opportunity.

“It is worth noting that MP Crawford is currently the youngest Member of Parliament and by all accounts her records show that she has already been doing significant work across her constituency.

“We expect that the PNP’s Women Organization and the PNPYO will join with us in condemning these despicable comments and stand against any attempt to belittle the contribution of women in politics,.” Hylton added.

The organisation said it was demanding a formal apology from Hayles and Azan, both of whom it argued have been handpicked by PNP President Mark Golding to serve as vice presidents. Golding, the organisation noted, immediately distanced himself from their comments.