Caption: Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar with Chaguanas West MP Dr Neil Gosine
Summary
- Condemnation of Remarks: MP Dr. Neil Gosine strongly condemns former Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley for using the derogatory term ‘jamette’ to describe Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
- Defending Women’s Dignity: Gosine argues the insult transcends political discourse, acting as an attack on the dignity and character of all women striving to lead and succeed in Trinidad and Tobago.
- Call for Better Politics: Saying that leaders must set a respectful tone for society, Gosine urges a return to policy-driven debate rather than personal degradation.
I wish to address, in the clearest possible terms, the deeply unfortunate and unacceptable remarks made by former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley, in which he described our Honourable Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, as a “jamette.”
Let us be honest about what that word implies. As is widely understood, it is a term used to describe a woman in a degrading and derogatory manner—one that attacks character, dignity, and womanhood itself. This is not political discourse. This is not debate. This is disrespect at its lowest level.
As a Member of Parliament, and as someone who believes strongly in the standards of leadership we must uphold in Trinidad and Tobago, I reject this kind of language completely.
Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar represents not only the office she holds but also thousands of women and young girls across this country who look to her as a symbol of strength, resilience, and achievement. To reduce her to such language is not just an attack on her. It is an attack on every woman striving to lead, to serve, and to succeed.
I stand firmly in support of the Prime Minister and her leadership. She has consistently demonstrated a commitment to service, to people-first governance, and to the development of our nation. That is what should define our national conversation—not insults, not degradation, and certainly not language that diminishes the dignity of women.
It is also deeply unfortunate that a former Prime Minister—someone who once held the highest office in this land—would choose to engage in this type of commentary. Leadership does not end when one leaves office. The responsibility to uphold decency, respect, and national unity remains.
Trinidad and Tobago deserves better. Our politics must be better.
We can disagree. We can debate. We can challenge policies and ideas. But we must never abandon respect.
Because the tone we set as leaders today will shape the society we leave behind tomorrow.
Neil Gosine is the MP for Chaguanas West and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism. He is an insurance executive, holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration, a BSc in Mathematics and a BA in Administrative Studies. The views and comments expressed in this column are not necessarily those of AZP News.
