JLP, PNP clash over Isat Buchanan’s candidacy in East Portland

A political row is brewing between the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) over the decision by the PNP to select attorney Isat Buchanan as its candidate to represent the East Portland constituency in the next general election.

The next general election is due by September of 2025.

The JLP expressed reservation over the Buchanan's selection based on his past criminal convictions, but the PNP is maintaining that it strongly supports the attorney's candidacy.

The PNP confirmed Buchanan's selection for the seat on Tuesday last, setting up a clash with the JLP's Ann-Marie Vaz, who has been Member of Parliament (MP) for East Portland since 2019.

The following day, the JLP issued a statement in which it said that with the selection of Buchanan, "the PNP has no moral authority to speak on matters concerning corruption, crime and ethics".

The governing party then outlined Buchanan's past drug convictions locally and in the United States.

"While we believe in possible rehabilitation and redemption, Mr Buchanan's recent crude, misogynistic and lewd remarks directed at a senior female public servant and his description of some Jamaicans as ugly and resembling monkeys, confirm (that) his penchant for unbecoming conduct is not a thing of the past," the JLP claimed.

"The decision by the Mark Golding-led PNP, which professes to have an integrity committee which vets candidates, to confirm and endorse Buchanan, reinforces the fact that the PNP cannot be trusted with governing Jamaica," the JLP stated

The PNP fired back at the JLP's utterances by issuing a statement today in which it declared that it "strongly supports" Buchanan's candidacy.

The opposition party suggested that the JLP "has a history of embracing individual with criminal convictions, including former ministers who have faced imprisonment for corruption.”

Said the PNP: "Notably a former JLP minister, was re-elected after conviction, demonstrating that past transgressions have not prevented political success within their ranks.”

Despite pointing to those purported situations in the JLP's political history, the PNP said it acknowledges that individuals can rehabilitate and return to serve their communities.

The Opposition stated that Buchanan's "past does not define him", but rather highlights that "his commitment to positive change exemplifies the principles of redemption that the PNP advocates".

According to the PNP, "The JLP's attempts to tarnish Buchanan's reputation stand in stark contrast to their own history, where certain individual was elected three times after leaving prison."

Added the opposition on that point: "This inconsistency raises questions about the JLP's sincerity in its support of rehabilitation and expungement programmes."

The PNP said that while it has never sought to politicise the past of any individual, "the JLP's current stance against Isat Buchanan underscores a troubling double standard".

Continuing, the party said: "The PNP has consistently advocated for the principle of allowing those who have served their time the opportunity to return to public life."

"Isat Buchanan's candidacy is a reflection of the PNP's commitment to rehabilitation and service. The people of East Portland deserve a representative who understands the value of redemption and can bring a fresh perspective to their community," the PNP ended its statement.