Newsmaker: Political ‘dub plates’ flying wild over Isat heading ‘east’

This week’s featured overall development as Newsmaker of the Week is the heated debate in Jamaica's political arena, with the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) locked in a bitter dispute over the PNP's selection of attorney Isat Buchanan as its candidate for East Portland in the next general elections, which are due by September of 2025.

The JLP has expressed strong reservations about Buchanan's candidacy, citing his past criminal convictions locally and in the United States for cocaine-related offences.

But the PNP is maintaining that it strongly supports the attorney's candidacy.

The PNP’s selection of Buchanan, the lawyer for dancehall entertainer Vybz Kartel, has now caused an all-out political row between both major political parties, with bloggers from each side rehashing past allegations about their respective political opponents.

The Opposition first made the selection of Buchanan known on Tuesday night, paving the way for a potential clash at the polls with the JLP's Ann-Marie Vaz, who has been Member of Parliament (MP) for East Portland since 2019.

In reacting to the decision, the JLP asserted that Buchanan's selection undermines the PNP's moral authority on matters of corruption, crime, and ethics.

The JLP pointed out that Buchanan was convicted in Jamaica for possession of, dealing in and taking steps to smuggle cocaine. However, those convictions were reportedly later expunged.

He was also sentenced to approximately 10 years behind bars in a United States prison for similar drug smuggling crimes, the JLP added.

"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, confirmed (that) his penchant for unbecoming conduct is not a thing of the past," the JLP claimed.

However, the PNP has stood firm in its support for Buchanan, emphasising its commitment to rehabilitation and redemption.

The party pointed out the JLP's own purported history of embracing individuals with criminal convictions, including a former minister who was imprisoned for corruption.

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

The PNP argued that Buchanan's past does not define him, but rather highlights his commitment to positive change and the principles of redemption that the party advocates.

"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 stated.

A member of the of the JLP's communication task force, Marlon Morgan, shot back at the PNP later on Thursday, describing them as "flip floppers" for embracing Buchanan after he was denied a role as a justice of the peace (JP) in relation to his past legal issues.

Morgan said the JLP is of the view that "a person coming into conflict with the law shouldn't necessarily mean the end of that person's life or their future prospects.

"However, the nature and the details of Isat Buchanan's criminal antecedents should be in sharp focus... And coupled with some serious moral and social transgressions that he has committed in recent times, these things raise serious questions, I think, about his suitability for high office," Morgan suggested.

As the debate rages on, the man in question, Buchanan, toured sections of East Portland, including Port Antonio, on Wednesday, and met some jubilant comrades and other residents of the parish.

Isat Buchanan

He said his main focus areas will be on tourism, education, entertainment and opportunities for the youth.

"There is a problem with Blue Lagoon, education and economic growth opportunities for the youth, so I am listening to them and trying to find ways to fix those problems," the attorney said.

On the flip side, Daryl Vaz, MP for West Portland and the husband of East Portland MP, Ann-Marie, said he is confident that the JLP, through himself and his wife, will maintain their hold on both constituencies in Portland.

"... I am confident that the work that my wife and myself have done in Portland is there to show, and I'm also confident that the decision that they (the PNP) have made to send Isat Buchanan to Portland Eastern, the persons and electorate down there will have their time to say whether or not it was a good decision or bad decision," Vaz said in an audio statement on Thursday.

Amid Buchanan's plans and the somewhat mouth-watering political contest to come in East Portland, the issues of his past convictions and other derogatory remarks about Jamaicans, including Paula Llewellyn, then the substantive Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), his candidacy has not left the realm of public discussion since Tuesday.

On X, formerly Twitter, a user said: "Poor PNP. This is what the party come to. A convicted (person)… He could not become a JP; (now he) wants to turn a MP!"

Added another user: "I see nothing wrong with Isat Buchanan running for MP; no one is perfect, and the JLP should know that."

On Facebook, a man opined that, "Well, Well, PNP hit rock bottom.

"How can they (PNP) bring this guy to run against Action Ann (Ann-Marie Vaz). They have no respect for the parish of Portland," he argued.

A woman wrote: "Come through wi bright constitutional lawyer (Buchanan) weh brush himself off and means well. PNP always attracts bright-minded individuals."

In response, a male Facebook user asked: "What about Integrity? I guess that doesn't matter at all?

"Whether Isat or any other, Ann-Marie Vaz got this for the JLP, and Daryl Vaz is safer than safe in West Portland. PNP days in Portland done," the man insisted.

Another man seemingly agreed, and commented that, "He (Isat) will not win in East Portland at all!"

Meanwhile, a woman shared that she does not agree with the criticisms of the PNP's decision to select Buchanan to contest the East Portland seat.

"At the end of the day, he (Buchanan) served his sentences and has been rehabilitated. His story can be used to show that there is hope after being incarcerated. Many in public life have not served their time for their deeds," she wrote.

However, another woman said she was "disappointed" at the Opposition party's choice of candidate for the seat.

"I won't ascribe any motive, but I cannot agree with Isat's selection. #disappointed," she wrote.

A man added his voice to the contentious social media debate, stating that Buchanan is welcomed to the seat.

"Congrats Isat; who without sin cast the first stone... You have the quality to be a lawyer, (and) so to be a politician should be very easy," the man stated.

Added another man to the discussion: "The JLP should be the last to want to discredit anyone about their background.

"We have examples of persons before the court or freed, who still support their party and in public life," he claimed.