Political Commentator Slams ‘Silent’ Civil Society Groups

“A disgrace to the nation!”

That’s how political commentator Kevin O’Brien Chang described some civil society groups and their silence on controversial political issues.

Mr. O’Brien Chang was speaking Monday on Nationwide at Five.

Mahiri Stewart has that story.

On Monday evening on Nationwide at Five, hosts Cliff Hughes and Ricardo Brooks, along with guests, political commentators Dr. Nadeen Spence and Kevin O’Brien Chang, recalled the dark and deadly days of Jamaica’s recent political past.

This discussion was sparked by recent incidents that took place in Jamaica’s political arena that reflected darker days of Jamaican politics.

The first involved Opposition Spokesperson Nekeisha Burchell suggesting that Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton was given preferential treatment when treated at University Hospital for injuries sustained in a cycling incident.

The second involved the PNP’s caretaker for South East St. Catherine, Dr. Alfred Dawes.

Dr. Dawes revealed that he was poisoned last year in a politically motivated plot aimed at tarnishing his reputation. He made the revelation while addressing comrades at Waterford High School in Portmore on Sunday.

This caused a fired-up Kevin O’Brien Chang to call out civil society groups.

Mr. O’Brien Chang went even further, naming the groups he believes are sitting idly by and failing to address the issues plaguing Jamaican politics.

When challenged by host Ricardo Brooks with the point that the groups were following their respective mandates, Mr. O’Brien Chang fired back.

He claims that these groups have, in the past, spoken on matters outside of their mandates but have refused to do so in these instances.

Meanwhile, Dr. Nadeen Spence says she believes the gravity of the situation involving Dr. Dawes was lost on Opposition Leader, Mark Golding.

Dr. Nadeen Spence, political commentator. Dr. Spence was speaking Monday on Nationwide at Five.