Independent Member of Parliament George Wright says he was taken aback by the strong objection raised by Opposition MPs as they marched during the Ceremonial Opening of Parliament on Thursday (February 10). 

Wright, the ex-Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) MP who resigned in June 2021, was met with Opposition Leader Mark Golding’s consternation as he slammed the Westmoreland Central representative of ‘disrespect’ at his mere presence among the Opposition. 

Speaking with Nationwide News on Friday, however, Wright contented he was ‘within his right’ to position himself among the Opposition promenade.

Dismissing Golding’s allegations that he was “sent” by JLP operatives to make their small parliamentary minority look bad being pictured with him, Wright further indicated he did not have any qualms ‘walking alone’.  

“Well as I said earlier, as [the] Opposition Leader, you have to think before making such comments. No one would have inveigled me to do any of such acts as he mentioned. In fact, I do things on my own,” Wright explained.

“And there is no indication or attempts from me to have gone there to do anything outside of my jurisdiction,” the first-time MP added.

While brushing off Golding’s rhetoric, the MP urged the Opposition Leader to think before speaking, insisting that protocol dictates he has a legitimate right to walk with PNP parliamentarians, despite their cold shoulder.  

“What I can tell you is that once you’re an elected Member of Parliament and not sitting on the Government side, they have to be sitting on the Opposition side,” Wright argued further.

“In the protocol of a march, what [one] will have to do is to walk on the Opposition side, right? They have a problem, I don’t have a problem. It is very unfortunate but I hope, in the future, he will think and say the right thing,” he said.

WATCH: PNP/George Wright standoff

I don’t want to be that guy (sorry Beenie Man), but this swan song of yours, Mr Wright, has not moved me. 

In my view, the entire ‘standoff’ was avoidable, however, for reasons yet to be determined, you chose to be problematic. 

If, in your words, you do things on your own, why, after catching the attention of media, did you not simply excuse yourself from the Opposition MPs and proceed alone? 

There wasn’t a need for any deliberation or debate, you are INDEPENDENT and as such should have gone on undisturbed…

Instead, you stood your ground, almost purposefully to stir up mischief. 

Have you met humans? We can be so nasty at times to each other, despite waving our so-called ‘intelligence’ and ‘superiority’ over the rest of the animal kingdom. 

Best believe, if I encounter a group of people who have repeatedly expressed wanting to have NOTHING to do with me, I wouldn’t be caught dead or alive in their presence. 

Even after multiple attempts to diffuse the situation and suggestions for you to head off by your lonesome, you stood, as if trying to justify your need to belong. 

READ: Not wanted! On march to Gordon House, George Wright gets cold shoulder from PNP MPs 

While I will accept for now that you meant no ill-will, you cannot deny the exchange doesn’t paint ANY picture whatsoever. Willful ignorance is unbecoming, even for you. 

Now, let us address your demand for a public apology from Opposition Leader Mark Golding and the PNP… 

If I may be so bold as to speak on behalf of my fellow Jamaicans, may I ask, where is OUR apology from YOU, Mr Wright? 

Being persona non grata among the ranks of the JLP means NOTHING if you still publicly support them. 

Perhaps it would have been a wiser choice if you had followed South East St Ann MP Lisa Hanna and taken up the option of not attending and instead spending the day with your Central Westmoreland constituency. 

RELATED: ‘I was in my constituency’: Lisa Hanna explains parliamentary opening absence

Alas, here we are but I implore you, Mr Wright, for the sake of the business of the people, please let resting stools lie.

Send feedback to [email protected] or [email protected].