The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) says it is deeply concerned about the recent videos circulating online, showcasing members of the political directorate engaging in unseemly behaviour.

While not specifically naming the offenders, the PSOJ statement seemingly revolves around viral clips of Cabinet Minister and Member of Parliament, Everald Warmington, and People’s National Party (PNP) candidate for Trelawny Northern, Dennis Meadows.

The PSOJ, in its statement on Wednesday (February 28), argued that the videos were not an isolated incident but “a continuation of a disturbing trend where crude and, in some cases, the perpetuation of illegal behaviour is displayed openly, undermining good morals and decency, the constitution and the values we, as a nation, hold dear”.

Having repeatedly called for an improvement in the conduct of Jamaican leaders, the PSOJ is disappointed that the “unacceptable pattern persists”.

Unfazed by the cycle of public outrage, subsequent retraction and apology, as both Meadows and Warmington have done, the PSOJ now seeks prompt and firm action from the Office of the Political Ombudsman.

See statement in full:

“The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) is deeply concerned about the recent videos circulating online, showcasing members of the political directorate engaging in unseemly behaviour.

This is not an isolated incident but a continuation of a disturbing trend where crude and, in some cases, the perpetuation of illegal behaviour is displayed openly, undermining good morals and decency, the constitution and the values we, as a nation, hold dear.

The PSOJ has repeatedly called for an improvement in the conduct of our country’s leaders and for the leadership of the respective political parties to hold their members accountable. Yet, despite these calls, the unacceptable pattern persists, eroding the public’s trust and respect in our political institutions and leaders.

Therefore, the PSOJ now seeks prompt and firm action from the Office of the Political Ombudsman, a body empowered to ensure adherence to the Political Code of Conduct and to hold individuals, and the organisations to which they belong, accountable, indeed liable, for their actions.

This demand for action underscores the importance of the Office of the Political Ombudsman, especially following its incorporation within the operational framework of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ). The PSOJ acknowledges the dual responsibilities of the ECJ in managing both the electoral process and the role of the Political Ombudsman, emphasising the need for effectiveness in these critical functions.

The behaviour exhibited by some members of the political directorate not only disrespects the citizens of Jamaica but also blatantly disregards the standards of ethical behaviour, integrity, and good governance. Such actions cannot be tolerated. The people of Jamaica deserve better and must demand better.

The PSOJ stands in support of measures that enforce accountability and transparency in our political practices. We urge the Office of the Political Ombudsman to act decisively to maintain the integrity and respectability of political leadership in Jamaica.”