Patricia Duncan Sutherland, president of the People’s National Party Women’s Movement (PNPWM), is demanding an apology and retraction of sexist comments made by Government Senator Charles Sinclair and Member of Parliament Homer Davis during a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) meeting in South St James on Sunday.

Sinclair, in his address to Labourites, urged them to vote for Davis instead of the PNP standard-bearer for South St James, Nekeisha Burchell, in the upcoming local government elections. He said the election was not a “beauty contest” and commented on Burchell’s physical appearance by characterising her as the three B’s.

“One B is that she name Burchell, and that is the good B…But the other two Bs – and I see them advertise it on their own platform – is round a back, and the one round a front, and all a that is a false B,” said Sinclair.

Homer also commented on Burchell’s appearance and stated that if it were a beauty contest, he would let his wife represent him, stating that she is beautiful and all-natural.

Apology from JLP leadership

The PNPWM leader, in a release on Tuesday, said the comments were unacceptable and perpetuate insidious stereotypes that have no place in political discourse.

She demanded an apology from the entire JLP leadership.

“These comments were made in the presence of JLP leadership, including Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who appeared to condone such disrespectful attacks on a young female leader. As a nation, we have made substantial progress in reducing political tribalism and promoting civil political discourse. It is unacceptable that female candidates should be targeted and their body image referenced in political campaigns. This behaviour falls far short of the standards expected in a democratic society,” she complained.

Duncan-Sutherland also called on Minister of Gender Olivia Grange to address the issue within her party and advocate for the respectful treatment of women in politics.

The constituency of South St James was held by the PNP for 31 consecutive years, from 1989 to 2020. In 2020, the PNP lost the seat to Davis, who is seeking to retain his position in the upcoming election.