The Advocates Network is demanding that disciplinary action be taken against the People’s National Party (PNP) Deputy General Secretary, Dexroy Martin for his behaviour at a recent PNP protest where a female journalist was threatened with rape.

While at a PNP protest at the Party’s Old Hope Road headquarters, it is alleged that a PNP supporter told a female journalist that he would rape her. At the time of the incident, the reporter was interviewing Morgan and other senior party members were also present.

It is also reported that Martin commented on the journalist’s clothing which was the colour of the governing party and told her to leave the premises.

Morgan has since apologised for his behaviour.

“Jamaica must not be allowed to regress to the days of political intimidation on the basis of colours worn or on any other partisan basis. Obstruction of journalists in the course of their duties is not to be tolerated. Even when they are uninvited, there are respectful ways to indicate terms of access and engagement,” the group wrote in a statement.

They added while Martin has apologised, he “must also be penalised to send a strong message”.

“We look forward to hearing what disciplinary action has been initiated with regards to the conduct of
the PNP Deputy General Secretary. The party must respond to this incident with moral fortitude in a
way that engenders equality and fairness,” said the group.

They noted that sexual violence is normalised in Jamaica’s society, and this is a reality that needs to change.

Sexual violence against women normalised in Jamaica

The group also took note of Jamaica Women’s Health Survey (2018) that states one in four women in the country experiences intimate partner violence and sexual violence, and one in five reports being sexually abused before reaching 18 years of age.

“Sexual violence against women has, for far too long, been normalised in our society. This heinous
practice is perpetuated through behaviours like joking about rape, which serve to trivialise the
seriousness of the act, and support rape culture. This is completely unacceptable, and detrimental to
the lives and well-being of women and girls,” they wrote.

The group added that the matter is of great concern, especially given Jamaica’s recent demotion by 20 places in the World Press Freedom Index.

“Our political leaders must comport themselves in a manner that demonstrates their understanding of the importance of the Fourth Estate,” they said.

The group acknowledged that while the Party has condemned the actions, they should go further to promote such values as a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence and all other forms of violence and intimidation among its supporters, officers, representatives and candidates.