📍SAVANNA-LA-MAR, WESTMORELAND — JAMAICAMember of Parliament for St Catherine South West, Everald Warmington, has issued a public apology and retracted statements made during a fiery speech at a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) event on Sunday.
Speaking at a workers' appreciation meeting, Warmington stunned supporters by urging them to vote for the JLP “even if you don’t like your candidate,” using expletives on stage. He told the crowd to “close your eyes and vote for Andrew Holness,” and to “put the X beside the [expletive] bell” — a reference to the JLP symbol.
The comments, captured on video, quickly sparked national outrage on social media and among political leaders.
🗣️ INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR & BACKLASH
Warmington, long known for controversial remarks, issued a rare apology on Monday, saying:
“I recognise that my comments on the platform yesterday were inappropriate, and I regret offending anyone... I do withdraw the comments and apologise.”
His remarks not only raised questions about decency in politics but also prompted opposition leaders to call for disciplinary action.
🔍 PNP RESPONDS: CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Dr Dayton Campbell, General Secretary of the People’s National Party (PNP), condemned Warmington’s conduct and challenged Prime Minister Andrew Holness to take action.
“I want to know what sort of disciplinary action will the Prime Minister… take against Everald Warmington,” Campbell said.
He also called on the Jamaica Constabulary Force to charge Warmington in the same manner as dancehall artistes who use expletives in public.
“When a dancehall artiste go on stage and use what they refer to as indecent language, the police charge them… I’m calling on the JCF to charge Everald Warmington.”
🧨 POLITICS & PUBLIC DECENCY
This incident reignites a long-standing debate about free speech vs responsibility in Jamaican politics. Warmington’s use of vulgarity on a political platform — broadcast publicly and in front of media — is being widely criticized as inappropriate and divisive.
As of last night, the JLP has not released an official statement on the matter beyond Warmington’s personal apology.
We need a new standard of political leadership.
Our platforms should uplift, not divide.
Hold every public figure accountable — no matter the party.
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