She has no class! Opposition Leader Mark Golding to JLP Dr Michelle Charles

Imagine the asserting that a black woman has no class and resorting to phrases like “badly beaten.” This is especially in given the rampant violence and blatant disrespect aimed at black women in Jamaica. To witness such derogatory language from a political leader, particularly from a political leader seeking to lead the nation, such remarks may be regarded as inappropriate for an individual aspiring to hold the highest office in the nation.

President of the People’s National Party, Mark Golding, did not restrain his sharp criticism of St Thomas Eastern MP, Dr Michelle Charles of the JLP, as he addressed what he characterized as disrespect towards former PNP MP Dr Fenton Ferguson during the recent inauguration of the Morant Bay Urban Centre. Mr. Ferguson in attendance to represent Golding. Despite the circumstances, it is entirely unbecoming for a leader to address a member of Parliament in such a manner.

“She has no class. …When I see how she disrespected him, totally out of order… an absolute disgrace,” he said.

Golding addressed the audience at the People’s National Party’s Bath Divisional Conference on Sunday.
He subsequently asserted that Michelle Charles ought to be badly beaten in the next election upcoming election. Mark Golding stated that the events involving NP MP Dr. Fenton Ferguson and Dr. Michelle Charles of the JLP was an absolute disgrace, totally uncalled for and unbecoming of a Member of Parliament. In this context, the Opposition Leader also criticized the new Morant Bay Urban Centre in St. Thomas, referring to it as “the so-called opening of that centre.”

Dr. Michelle Charles serves as a current Member of Parliament and is the sister of The Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., MP, JP, who holds the position of Minister of Labour and Social Security.
Furthermore, she is the daughter of Pearnel Charles Sr., a distinguished public servant with over 55 years of service and a respected member of the Jamaica Labour Party.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness criticised Golding comment, stating that after decades of neglect and underinvestment, St. Thomas finally has a development it can call its own. The Morant Bay Urban Centre is a symbol of possibility, a long-overdue answer to the cries of a “forgotten parish”.

While the people of St. Thomas turned out in their numbers to celebrate this milestone, and the rest of Jamaica watched with pride and satisfaction, the Leader of the Opposition chose to belittle, refering to a “so called” centre.

This remark goes much deeper than just politics, it speaks to the heart of the Opposition, unable to acknowledge the development happening in our country, he continued.

Reggae singer Gramps Morgan of the band Morgan Heritage was among the guests who addressed the audience at the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the new Morant Bay Urban Centre with pride.

Gramps Morgan’s late father, Denroy Morgan, hailed from St. Thomas, making the Parish a cherished second home for the Morgan family. Though born in Brooklyn, New York, Gramps chose to become a Jamaican citizen, reinforcing his deep connection to the island. He became emotional addressing the development in St. Thomas and commended Prime Minister Andrew Holness for the exceptional work he is doing throughout Jamaica.

The Prime Minister declared that this moment marks a new era for the people of St. Thomas, who will now benefit from modern infrastructure, essential public services, and valuable private sector opportunities all in one central location.