Daryl Vaz under fire for alleged ‘homophobic comments’ during political meeting
Nathan Roper / Our Today
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Minister for Science and Technology Daryl Vaz is coming under increased scrutiny for his statements at a political meeting, calling for the highly controversial hit song ‘Chi Chi Man’ to be played.
The incident occurred on Sunday, May 25, at a conference in the Clarendon South Eastern Constituency, currently represented by Pearnel Charles Jr.
“You think me can come off of this stage and yuh-no-run Chi Chi Man? A mad you mad,” Vaz stated as he concluded his speech to a crowd of Jamaica Labour Party supporters.
Chi Chi Man was released by the Dancehall-Reggae group T.O.K in 2001, seeing success both locally and abroad. The hit became the theme song of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) during its initial year of release, whilst also achieving recognition in the United States and Japan.
However, the positives of the song were matched by a multitude of criticisms, primarily over the lyrics and connotations of the song. Chi Chi Man in Jamaican culture refers to a homosexual male, with T.O.K’s song seen as promoting outdated and homophobic ways of thinking.
Even among the T.O.K band members, there are signs of disagreement on the song’s place in modern day. During a 2023 reunion event, they refused to play the song even after being pressured by members of the audience. Deejay Roshaun Clarke claimed that this was done to not alienate any of their fans, but his fellow vocalist Craig Thompson defended the song’s lyrics, declaring that he “did not respect all sexual orientations”.
Multiple rights and advocacy groups have come out against Daryl Vaz’s recent statements. The Equity for All Foundation, previously known as J-FLAG, has offered a strong rebuke. Its leader, Glenroy Campbell, has accused both of Jamaica’s major political parties of regression, evidenced by their use of ‘homophobic dog whistles’ whilst on political campaign.
The Jamaicans for Justice (J.F.J) have also issued a statement, expressing ‘unwavering solidarity’ with the Equity for All Foundation, insisting that Vaz issue an immediate apology for his actions, which were ‘unbecoming of his office’.
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