Clarke Denounces Race-Based Politics, Burke Withdraws Unparliamentary Actions

It was an extension of the proverbial olive branch and mending of fences in the much-anticipated resumption of Parliament on Tuesday, as the house returned to some semblance of normalcy, following last week’s chaos, precipitated by claims and comments deemed unparliamentary.

Minister of Finance and the Public Service Dr Nigel Clarke, who came under fire for his Massa Mark comments, says he does not entertain race-based politics. While Chairman of the People’s National Party Dr Angela Brown Burke is calling for a reset of parliament. Dr Nigel Clarke is rebuffing racial discrimination slurs aimed at Opposition Leader Mark Golding during the closing of the budget debate last Tuesday.

This follows his reference to Golding as ‘Massa Mark’ Scores of PNP supporters were left disgruntled and called for Minister Clarke to withdraw his comments and apologize to Golding for the controversial remarks. Clarke adds the term Massa is used as part of the modern lexicon in Jamaica that accounts for authority noting it is also part of the Jamaican proverbial saying and famously used as part of the Jamaican culture. He further explains it does not evoke the meaning of a slave driver 

Meantime, PNP Party Chairman Dr Angela Brown Burke also apologized for what was deemed unparliamentary, her ‘shut yuh mouth’ comment, noting there is a need for a reset of the Parliament. Watch the report for more details:

Reporter: Nicola Brown

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