Vaz Calls on Fellow Politicians to be Civil in Public Discourse

Technology Minister Daryl Vaz has issued a call to his fellow politicians to restore civility in public discourse. 

His call comes amid mounting personal attacks online against politicians and members of the country’s civil service.

The minister made the appeal on Wednesday at the Universal Service Fund’s public WiFi launch in Papine, St. Andrew.

Shaloy Smikle reports.

Daryl Vaz says despite political differences, politicians need not be hostile when talking to and about each other. His comment is a show of support for his cabinet colleague, Dr Christopher Tufton.

Dr. Tufton and two senior civil servants in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Permanent Secretary Dunstan Bryan and the Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie have been the subject of sustained criticism this week by the PNP, its affiliates and sympathisers. 

The PNP says all three have failed in their duty to effectively manage the public health system. The party has also taken aim at other public officials serving on the boards of at least two regional health authorities.

The criticism of Dr. Tufton and the other health officials, has spilled over into the online space.

Minister Vaz believes political leaders have a responsibility to be judicious and civil in their comments about their rivals.

Minister Vaz has been in the political sphere since 1986. That’s 38 years.

The veteran politician cautioned his colleagues against returning to the dangerous side of politics.