In a most timely and statesman-like posture, former Prime Minister PJ Patterson appealed to the nation recently to shun vulgarity, particularly in the political arena. But from all indications, his clarion call has fallen on deaf ears, as the mudslinging, slander, conspiracy theories, and evilly concocted stories, some of which defy truth and logic, have continued unabated.

Then again, it is the “silly season” and, from all indications, Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters, apparently fearing that the Andrew Holness-led Government is fast losing mass support, based on poll results, have in many instances overreacted and have been going for the jugular of the People’s National Party (PNP), targeting its leader Mark Golding with respect to allegations of him having dual citizenship as well as his racial origin. Needless to say, this has set off a firestorm of “whataboutisms” and finger-pointing, to the extent that even long-forgotten political “duppies” are being resurrected as both Labourites and Comrades seek to outdo each other on the social media platform.

In this regard, Patterson stands as a giant among men when it comes to how he has dealt with aspersions hurled against him questioning his sexuality. With stoic pride and unruffled indifference, he rose above the fray and maintained his dignity in the process. One can well recall an instance when he took to the airwaves on the Breakfast Club hosted by the late Anthony Abrahams and Beverley Manley and stoutly defended his “impeccable sexuality” (his words) in a calm and respectful manner.

Let’s face it, both parties have their loud-mouth males and “tetesses” — quarrelsome women who tend to defend their parties in the most vulgar way. In the meantime, conspiracy theories and lurid tales of whodunits abound, from who was pushed off a balcony to who was poisoned. But the most salacious tales are usually those relating to the sexual activities of politicians. Just this week, we witnessed an up-and-coming and promising young female politician being embroiled in a major bedroom story, as it is alleged that not only has she been “entangled “ with a married man of great stature but was pregnant with his baby and had to go abroad to get rid of it. A story that she has stoutly denied in a radio interview. Talk about cock-and-bull story!

Then there are the many “fishy” stories about politicians who are on the down low. There was even an instance in Parliament when, during a verbal clash, one Member of Parliament, in a sotto voce remark aimed at another colleague across the aisle, quipped, “At least nobody can say I am a fish.” Of course, as my granny used to say, “Finger never say look yah, it always say look deh!” Drug abuse and its influence, inclusive of alcoholism, has also been fingered by partisan detractors and there is that well-known case of a schoolgirl who was allegedly raped and murdered but so far no credible evidence has been produced to convict anyone, which is most unfortunate, as a certain politician continues to suffer from that slanderous stain on his character.

Meanwhile, it should be understood that in the Jamaican political culture a politician is expected to be a “ladies man”. In other words, he must be prepared to “serve” his female constituents with much gusto if and when the need arises. Any male politician, especially if he is single, who fails to live up to such expectations or is seemingly not so inclined is usually dubbed to be “funny” — something must be wrong with him. And to add fuel to the fire (no pun intended), he must be a man who can hold his liquor — usually white rum. In this regard, a politician who is a “cocksman” will find great favour with the women and is enviably admired by the men, thus giving him increased popularity.

In the meantime, the current kerfuffle surrounding PNP President Mark Golding’s persona smacks of a great deal of hypocrisy and self-denial, as it is no secret that “brown-skinned” men are usually given a high likeability rating. I well recall a woman on the hustings who when asked what she admired most about former Prime Minister Michael Manley said, “Lawd, him tall and brown and sexy.” Incidentally, in recent times a similar comment has been made about JLP Leader Andrew Holness! In times past, Edward Seaga was dubbed the “breeder” with much admiration after he was able to impregnate his young wife in his old age. Alas, in the case of Golding, apart from being seen as white, some of his detractors have pointed to the need for him to have a more lean and sturdy frame; however, it is a known fact that many Jamaican women also love a man with “enough to go around”, akin to a teddy bear.

Politics also has to do with affairs of the heart and this may involve wife-beating or other forms of spousal abuse; politicians getting “jacket” as well as being involved in incestuous relationships. This may well be seen as a Shakespearean tragi-comedy or “dramedy”, but the fact is that when all is said and done our politicians are humans like all of us, though seemingly larger than life, so, therefore, they are subject to stormy relationships in and out of wedlock.

Luckily for our politicians in Jamaica, having extramarital affairs is not necessarily seen as a bad thing by grass roots supporters, who are the majority on election day, unless it is a same-sex affair.

Truth be told, sex, lies, and politics make up a volatile cocktail that will always be a part of the menu when it comes to how we relate to our elected representatives. Unfortunately, we have moved from just “suss” to social media platforms which provide a wide range of options to slander, denigrate, and character assassinate politicians in live and living colour with no real proof or substantial evidence to back up the putrid allegations in many instances.

In this vein, notwithstanding the fact that freedom of speech/expression is guaranteed and protected in the Jamaican Constitution, it behoves our politicians to revisit the laws of libel and slander, as it is not just the politicians who are ravaged by these lies and half-truths, but their families, colleagues, friends, and supporters. There has to be a limit to how far people can go without facing punitive consequences. In other words, a bridle has to be placed on these “horse mouths”. So far, our esteemed former Prime Minister Patterson has sought to use moral suasion, but will this be enough?

Lloyd B Smith has been involved in Jamaican media for the past 49 years. He has served as a Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. He hails from western Jamaica where he is popularly known as the Governor. Send comments to the Jamaica Observer or lbsmith4@gmail.com.