Patricia Duncan Sutherland, president of the Peoples’ National Party (PNP) Women’s Movement, is demanding an apology and withdrawal of an alleged offensive statement made by Government Senator Abka Fitz Henley, who commented on the physical appearance of Opposition Senator Donna Scott Mottley.

In a video posted on social media, Fitz Henley, while speaking at a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) divisional conference in the St Elizabeth South Eastern constituency on Sunday, said: “I see a twist up mouth one Donna Scott Mottley a say she shock that Abka Fitz Henley joined the Labour Party.”

Duncan Sutherland said the comments were “unbecoming” and had “no place in discussions about leadership”. She added that women in society should be critiqued for their work and not their physical appearance.

“In recent times, our nation has been engaged in a dialogue about the conduct expected from our leaders on political platforms and within the Houses of Parliament. As a movement, we will persist in our efforts to promote a politics we can take pride in, one that respects and values the contributions of women in leadership roles,” said the PNPWM president.

“We recognise that as women, we have a dual role in this process. We must hold our male counterparts accountable and actively facilitate conversations that promote awareness and understanding, breaking free from entrenched mindsets and cultural norms,” she added.

Duncan Sutherland also called on the Minister of Gender Olivia Grange, the Leader of Government Business in the Senate Kamina Johnson Smith, and the Bicameral Caucus of Women Parliamentarians to demand a public apology from Fitz Henley.