Having witnessed our Prime Minister’s recent social media post—a picture of a female opposition candidate’s feet designed to invite public ridicule—and the subsequent rush of over 1,200 celebratory reactions, I am confronting a low point in our nation’s public discourse. The attempt by some to excuse this as mere “political jest” or “Caribbean tradition” is simply a moral abdication that I must reject. To suggest this is just “satire” consistent with our political culture is to deliberately ignore the clear, bright line between political ribbing and the use of the highest office to focus on a woman’s body part to dehumanize and humiliate her. This is not witty commentary; it is bullying, pure and simple.
My stance here is not an endorsement of one party over the other; it is a general, urgent plea to correct a toxic and nasty culture. I am well aware that this political vulgarity is not exclusive to the ABLP administration. There are known instances where the UPP and others engage in the very same destructive behavior toward those within and without their party. My condemnation is for the culture itself.
To claim the Prime Minister is not targeting women because he is “confrontational with all opponents” is to deliberately ignore the difference: he used a gendered attack. When the critique of a male opponent focuses on policy or competence, but the critique of a female opponent focuses on her body, it is undeniably misogynistic. Excusing this because “politics is a high-pressure environment” or arguing that his supporters saw it as “political ribbing” is an effort to normalize toxic behavior. I am right to demand better from our leader than the lowest common denominator of social media pile-ons, and catastrophizing the incident is far less dangerous than silently accepting the lowering of the bar for acceptable conduct.
This incident, which successfully diverted attention from a serious matter, occurred while the opposition was protesting the multi-million dollar vehicle scandal—a serious issue demanding transparency and accountability. The PM’s overall tone—defensive, aggressive, and utterly unapologetic—has been consistent throughout this saga. This brings me to the particularly troubling spectacle of women “standing with MP Maria Browne” against a call for an inquiry into her ministry, all on the very same day as the shameful post.
What were these women standing in solidarity for? The call for an inquiry, in no way, suggests guilt or wrongdoing on the Minister’s behalf; rather, good governance and the very accountability and transparency that the PM claims to champion would dictate this as the right thing to do. This “stand” was, by definition, a protest against a protest for a call for an inquiry. I am left to wonder if these women know something that needs to be kept hidden, pre-empting a need to support the Minister prematurely or in advance.
What I find even more troubling is the Minister’s presence, and that of her husband and children, during this counter-protest. Was the Prime Minister there in his personal capacity as the husband, or as the head of government? His presence, regardless of capacity, served to elevate the event, turning a simple matter of departmental accountability into a dramatic political event framed as a personal attack on a family. This strategy seeks to blur the lines between governance and personal persecution, making it harder for the public to demand institutional oversight. This selective outrage, concentrated in a single news cycle, exposes a deep moral flaw in our community’s political compass: protection and respect are granted based on party colour, not on shared gender or human dignity.
The message this sends to our girls is clear and cruel: if you dare to lead or disagree, your appearance will be weaponized. When the global theme for the upcoming 16 Days of Activism is to Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls, our leader is actively modeling the very behavior we should be campaigning against. Our community is better than the base and vulgar spectacle I am being forced to observe. I must refuse the low standard of the apologists and the deafening silence of those in power who privately disagree but are too terrified to speak. Their silence is tacit approval and an act of self-preservation that allows this toxic culture to flourish. We must demand that our leaders, regardless of party, model integrity, not juvenile rage. The future of our nation’s character depends on it.
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My way of helping.. READ THE BOOK “ THE FOUR AGREEMENT”.. God bless you all..
Quite a good read.
Imma be honest though I have seen her of recent times and I believe Miss Quinn do a little better especially for the fact she has hopes to become a political leader and she wants people to take her serious…That’s all imma say….
ANR, I cannot take an article of this nature seriously when the writer is not identified.
Be that as it may, where was the outrage when the UPP and its operatives were smearing and defaming the Hon. Maria Browne’s name and saying that she was involved with another man?
Where was the outrage when a popular, less-than-super-diamond-in-the-black, DJ referred to Samantha Marshall in terms that were downright disrespectful and scandalous?
Where was the outrage when Baldwin Spencer stood up in Parliament and berated Dame Bridget Harris, Speaker of the House?
Where was the outrage when Gail Christian’s name was being dragged through the mud simply because she dared to offer herself for political office?
Weren’t these attacks gendered and misogynistic? Selective outrage is the bane of our existence in this country.
To quote Sir Lester Bird, y’all give me damned aspirin!
Where were you writer when Mr. Algernon Watt a.k.a. Serpent called the Honorable Samantha Marshall. Note I said the Honorable Samantha Marshall, because unlike Mrs. Pearl Quin-Williams she was an elected member of Parliament. Called her all sort of denigrating names. Names I would not dare to write here on this website. I said than if it were my sister he insulted like that he would have gotten a good beaten. But the Marshall boys are as they say, “Big for Nothing”. To have let their sister take such public humiliation. They are not worth to be called MEN. The PM is only making fun of Pearl, never insulted her. Just making her a laughing stock. That is something totally different. And he has always find ways to make fun of his opponents, whether mail or female. The same way they see it fit to call him crazy man and that he needs to take his pills. Or that he looks like Hitler with that mustache. All that is ok with you. Well Pearl toes remind me of the film with Eddie Murphy Boomerang. Each time he had sex with a woman he looked at their toes the next day and by the toes he would decide whether this one would be his girlfriend. Pearl toes are ugly. Not to mention the space between her front teeth. Other than that she is very attractive. But she cannot come close to the Queen Maria Bird-Browne. She is a BEAUTY.
One thing I can tell the PM. It’s hard be in love with a beautiful woman. And especially a much younger woman. Wait till you are old and cannot do the normal things in life. You will be placed in a nursing home while wifie goes partying. LOL. No sweat PM. Enjoy it while it last.
In my view, Gaston Browne is the best person to run this country. However, his actions sometimes need to be questioned.
A public attack in such manner, on the said young lady by our PM was unwarranted, disgraceful and embarrassing to say the least…
The victim on the otherhand, I must say responded quite professionally and allowed such verbal attack, to bypass like water sliding off a duck’s back. Kudos! I am sure if it was someone else, there would be perhaps a verbal confrontation.
Regardless of their political differences, I will agree that the PM should never stoop that low.
It was also surprising that I did not hear his political colleague Donna Chaia, whose voice tends to be of the highest decibels in recent times, had nothing to say as a woman about the PM disrespecting his female political opponent was not called for.
It was even more surprising that Lamin, who portrays himself as such a righteous person did not condemn the PM’s unscrupulous actions.
Is it that ” wrongs & disrespect ” are condoned just for political recognition? If so, we are certainly living in a sad state.
Is Gaston behavior news worth writing about¿
This man is taken too seriously and allowed to carry the narrative of the country, I know you think he is in a position but that was mounted upon by a gang institutionalized and finance by the white and Syrian class a people who want these black dealers in place to continue give them access to state resources and contracts building wealth in the one percenters empire, because trust me if these syrians and white people could have taken over the country directly ALP and UPP would not be needed, when Robert hall tried that been the only person on PLM ticket because the ALP has arrested George Walter falsely, he was scorned and frowned upon as Antigua returning to white rule, you can see the syrians and Portuguese descendents has been forced on the ballots of the people by both ALP and UPP to parachute them into parliament, Mr Edmond Mansoor shift party affiliation and especially after the death of asot to get on the dominant political party’s platform to continue that project of building public perception that one day they become the prime minister of this nation, that same project was carried out successfully by Edward siaga of Jamaica causing tribalism that leave Jamaica in a way today where the wealth is mostly vested in lighter complexion and ethnicity, Jamaican still have the slang of calling people master.
Gaston is just a tool finance by these wealthy Caucasians to secure all government contracts to these families whose wealth continue to grow whether ALP or UPP in office, they are all are been supervised by these one percenters, the black people infantilized and emasculated worldwide and subjected to white supervision, none of the political marionettes has ever interrupted this enclave of Jim crow lifestyle of privilege for these bourgeois. Or surely they would be dubbed as communist and draw the ire of America and the white world ethno supremacists logic.
The people should have the power but there is no political ideology, only party color and fanaticism.
If you feel so deeply, why repeat his publishing the photo? Not that I disagree with your argument.
Proves Gastons insecurities. Childish playground tactics.. small minded narcissistic… BLOODY GROW UP!!!!!!!
All I’m saying is, if serpant, Pringle or anyone of the opposition posted Maria Browne in this instance he would went on a rant and say who and who not he would’ve sued and those host of laughs and comments under his post now would’ve been rage of anger
Who killed Asot Michael?
I am laughing at these sanctimonious morons, especially the writer.
Where were you when Pearl called me “a thief” in public, causing me to sue her ?
Where were you when they protested that Min Browne purchased over two hundred vehicles illegally, in an attempt to smear her name ?
Where were you when they fabricated all sorts of stories about her involvement in impropriety ?
Where were you with their UPP’s criminal elements daily unjustifiable attacks on me and my colleagues, using lies, misinformation and disinformation ?
Where were you ?
Play ball take rubbers.
Pearl can’t expect to use lies, aggression and ridicule to besmirch the character of others and walk away unscathed.
If I really wanted to get low, I would have posted about the cussing with profanities, she had last week with her husbands Jamaican woman. Her conduct was unbecoming for a so-called born-again Christian.
The reality is, People like Pearl have anger issues, they lead empty, miserable lives and are always preying on others.
As I said before, she is fair game – play ball, take rubbers. If she can’t take the heat – get out of the kitchen.
Lifting political discourse requires the commitment of all, not just the few who are in a position of authority.
I am prepared to lead by example, but will not yield to these sanctimonious morons, if they continue to attack me and my colleagues, with lies and disinformation.
Bless up !!
ANR, your narrow, partisan, laughable
cover has been laid bare by this so-called, nameless letter to the Editor feigning outrage at the recent comical references to someone’s not-too-pearly toes! Get out of here!
While I agree 💯 with the jumby writer’s call for reflection on the distasteful comments often directed at female, political hopefuls in this country, I realize that your angst is only riled up when it comes to particular females from a particular political party!
Man/Woman, just go to hell! Where was this self-righteous indignation when LADIES of quality, e.g. Dame Bridget Harris, Dame Millicent Percival, Hon. Samantha Marshall, Her Excellency Gail Christian, Hon. Maria Buowne, not to mention the numerous, blatantly nasty references to the PM’s mentally challenged MOTHER, which went on unceasingly without ever evoking the wrath of this hypocrite jumby/ghost writer of today’s letter to the editor!! You shall all choke to death on your pathetic self- righteousness.
Reality check: the pearl, obviously spawned by the ugliest oyster in the ocean, has morphed into a loud, bitter, vexations virago which makes it an easy target for public comic relief. And what comic relief! Perhaps the pearl’s toes should have been painted blue instead of red, thus avoiding the attention of a man who sees everything!/too much at times,TBH. Paint those ugly toes blue or, if you find this color loathsome as many do, wear shoes 👞 that cover your deformity, because whether you realize it or not, whether you agree with the consensus or not, these toes are among the ugliest ever seen!
Ease off the GAS Mr PM, (Gassy Dread) – even your swine would refuse such pearls!
So…. Where was this outrage when Serpent user the most derogative words to describe Sammtha Marshall?
And not even going to mention the magical pedophile UPP has masquerading as their PRO.
The selective outrage of this author is hypocritical.
Women love talk about equality, then love run and complain about advantage when they throw they name in the political arena. Make up you all minds, can’t have your cake and still eat.
UPP always ah attack the prime minister and his family. And soon as little push back happen them ah cry
It is the kind of toxic and virulent politics that we practice in this this country. It is always personal and intended to ridicule and belittle others when there are far more serious, genuine and grevious national issues to be dealt with.
Those who peddle lies and mis/disinformation to ridicule and undermine others, could never be victims when the truth about them is revealed.
…If I really wanted to get low, I would have posted about the cussing with profanities, she had last week with her husbands Jamaican woman…
That part
The four agreements is a greay read, add Post traumstic slave syndrome by joy degru to the list.
ANR you serious or you just.printing words for printing words sake? How can you still post the photo of the lady????
The funny thing is, since I’ve moved back in the last three years, I’ve had many discussions with tourist and foreigners that have taken up residence. What I am consistently hearing is they love it hear because it’s so lawless and they can take advantage of anything. That means humans, politicians, and assets. Quote “people hear dont care about each other, so why not take advantage of it all”. They recognize how we treat eachother like DOGS from the villages to the cabinet.
I have now come to realize that many Antiguans just want quick money without the work and who cares about the next generation. So can you blame Gaston for giving the people what they want.
The sad part is, the majority here will be suffering greatly in the future because of this mind set. It’s like everyone is a big shot in their minds but have nothing to back it up. They believe the louder and more brash they are make them powerful, but the reality is far from it and the smart ones are taking full advantage of this. Why should others care about you if you dont care about yourself.
KUDOS to the author of this article for his/her articulation of the concern of responsible and well thinking citizens/residents.
I actually did a double take on the original article and dismissed it as I thought my eyes had deceived me and that I was looking at a public jest of Maria.
We expect (and should demand) accountability and respect from all civil servants across the board, for everyone (including political rivals).
Immature, local gutter politics aside, the rest of us throughout the Caribbean are urging our leaders to stand above the fray with the dignity and temperance that their positions require.
We look on with great hope that Caricom will collectively manifest its great destiny and pray for wisdom for all our leaders, especially the most Honorable PM’s Mia Mottley and Andrew Holness who are outstanding examples of what we expect from our Caribbean leaders.
We also hope others will be inspired by their dignified stance and great focus on pertinent issues to improve on the wellbeing of citizens locally and regionally.
Bless up!
Why was Asot Michael the former godfather of Labour murdered?
After reading this article with thorough intention, I realized that people only see the need to expound on paper when it is coming from the ABLP and/or its leader.
I’m not attempting to justify the political satire in any way, because his style is certainly not mine, or anyone else’s.
His formula for staying engaged on social media resonates not only with the diehards but also the youth. Their support is crucial in maintaining popularity at the voting booth in this new era.
What is ironic though, is the fact that these condemnations are never leveled at members of the opposition in their quest to gain relevance as the viable option to lead this country.
For example: when they hosted an entire public meeting predicated on besmirching the character of our late national hero, Hon. Lester Bryant Bird, labeling him as a pedophile in a concocted story was regrettable.
Then there is a recent incident where new male candidate, now elected, referred to a female candidate as a monkey, in regards to her appearance in his mind. By the way, it was also said as well on a platform by her then male opponent, who recently transitioned. Even referring to the the newly elected young female MP as “Pixie” in many night and Saturday afternoon talk shows, disrespectfully so.
There are many examples, still today. Many‼️
There was no outrage, no condemnation, no reprimand, no uproar, but here we are at a deflection point to castigate our Prime Minister, in his personal capacity, with his satirical gestures on social media as condemnations?
Please “tek de yampee outta your own yeye” before telling me about someone else’s.
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