Calls mount for Vaz to apologise over divisive song
Published:Tuesday | May 27, 2025 | 12:09 AM
Local rights group Stand Up for Jamaica has joined its voice with Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) and Equality for All Foundation (EFAF) in condemning what appeared to be West Portland Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz’s endorsement of a song viewed as homophobic during a political meeting on Sunday.
In a statement, Stand Up for Jamaica said that, as a public servant and Cabinet minister, Vaz “has a duty to uphold the rights and dignity of all Jamaicans”.
Said the rights group: “Remarks and actions that may be interpreted as homophobic send a troubling message and risk further dividing a society already working hard to move towards greater inclusivity.
“We believe that leadership should reflect the spirit of our national motto, ‘Out of Many, One People’, and encourage unity rather than exclusion. Ministers of government should be ministers for all Jamaicans, committed to creating a country where everyone feels seen, valued, and respected – regardless of their background or identity.”
Stand Up for Jamaica’s statement came after the JFJ declared its “unwavering solidarity” following a statement from EFAF, formerly J-Flag, which called for Vaz, who is the minister of science, energy, telecommunications and transport, to apologise for introducing a song at the meeting that calls for the harming of homosexuals.
Vaz reportedly requested that TOK’s controversial 2001 hit Chi-Chi Man be played after a brief intro.
JFJ said Vaz should have known better.
“JFJ strongly supports EFAF’s demand for an immediate apology from MP Vaz for actions unbecoming of his office. Such behaviour is particularly egregious from those entrusted to lead the charge in advancing legislative protections, including the urgent need for an anti-discrimination law and amendments to the Jamaican Constitution,” the organisation said.
“When political leaders engage in or endorse discriminatory rhetoric, they not only betray their responsibility to champion these changes, but also erode public confidence in their potential for societal and behavioural change among others. If those tasked with shaping our law act in ways that perpetuate harm, how can we expect broader social progress?”
JFJ also echoed EFAF’s call for the political ombudsman and the leaders of both political parties to make clear their stance on homophobic rhetoric.
“JFJ urges all leaders to reject divisive tactics. Political leaders must uphold the highest standards of conduct, modelling the change they are responsible for enacting. We stand with the EFAF in advocating for a Jamaica where equality, dignity, and justice are upheld for all,” it added.
In the meantime, Stand Up for Jamaica said the incident should serve as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to make Jamaica a place where everyone – regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity – feels safe, valued, and respected.
“We must continue to challenge the normalisation of homophobic behaviour and rhetoric, especially in public spaces and leadership forums. Inclusion should not be a debated ideal, but a shared commitment,” Stand Up for Jamaica stated.
The group noted that it was also important to acknowledge that anti-buggery and other laws remain on the books that “continue to foster an environment where LGBTQ+ individuals live with the threat of criminalisation and social exclusion”.
Said Stand Up for Jamaica: “While we’ve made steps forward as a nation, much work remains to be done to ensure that our legal frameworks reflect the dignity and rights of all citizens.”