Jamaica MP apologises unreservedly for gang-style lyrics

Dwayne Vaz

(Jamaica Gleaner) People’s National Party (PNP) Central Westmoreland Member of Parliament (MP) Dwayne Vaz has buckled under pressure from a wave of stinging public criticism and has “categorically and unreservedly” apologised for his offensive utterances on a political platform in Mount Salem, St James, last week.

Dwayne Vaz
Dwayne Vaz

Vaz, who submitted his apology through Political Ombudsman Donna Parchment Brown, said he recognised that his remarks could give the impression that he was in support of gang-style criminal conduct.

“For this, I apologise to everyone,” he said.

Not only has Vaz issued a written apology to Parchment Brown, and by extension, the country, but the first-time MP has committed to making a verbal apology at a gospel concert to be staged by the People’s National Party at its headquarters on Old Hope Road, St Andrew, on December 19.

Prime Minister and PNP President Portia Simpson Miller has also summoned Vaz to a meeting this week to discuss the matter. Additionally, Vaz is taking steps to stage a seminar with young people from the five divisions in his constituency, in January.