PNP councillor blames member of his team for unsavoury social media comments

People's National Party Councillor for the Bellefield division in Manchester, Mario Mitchell, says unsavoury comments posted from his account on social media platform X were published by a member of his team without his review or approval.

The comments on Monday were made in response to a question regarding drains on a road project reportedly spearheaded by Mitchell in his division.

Mitchell responded with "check your mother," followed by an insult laced with sexual innuendo. A second comment in defence of his response also contained a popular Jamaican insult in relation to a person's mother.

Spokesperson for the Jamaica Labour Party, Venesha Phillips, issued a condemnation of Mitchell's utterances.

"For Councillor Mitchell to make such an obscene post is disrespectful to every single Jamaican, including mothers. Additionally, for Mitchell to tell Jamaicans that the drains are deep and wide like their mothers is a despicable comment for which he should be disciplined," she said.

She added, "Not only did the Councillor decide not to respond appropriately to reasonable enquires about the purported use of state funds on a road and the absence of adequate drainage provisions, he sought to disrespect every single Jamaican and their mothers by using a most vile insult."

Phillips also called out PNP President Mark Golding and the PNP's Women's Movement for their silence on the matter.

In a later post on X, Mitchell said "I take full responsibility for the content posted in my name", describing the comments as "deeply inappropriate".

He said the individual who made the posts has been suspended and that he was reviewing all internal protocols to ensure the incident does not recur.

"I unreservedly apologise to all who were offended. The remarks do not reflect my values, my principles, or the professional standards I strive to uphold. Respectful dialogue, especially in the public space, must remain a priority.

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