Buchanan

The following are reactions to a cartoon published in The Gleaner, yesterday.

The Editor, Sir:

The People's National Party (PNP) Women's Movement condemns today's (February 1, 2007) Gleaner cartoon portrayal of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and is demanding an immediate apology for its inaccurate representation of Mrs. Simpson Miller.

The cartoon portraying the Prime Minister is not only disrespectful of the individual but disrespectful of women generally. It portrays the Prime Minister and president of the PNP in a most inappropriate manner.

As an individual and Prime Minister she must reserve the right to defend any attack on her personally and to defend the Government, particularly in financial matters.

The PNP Women's Movement supports accountability and transparency in government operations, but we also believe our head of government must not be treated less than any other when she represents the country.

The Women's Movement takes this opportunity to remind the naysayers that Jamaica has tangibly benefited from almost every overseas trip made by Prime Minister Simpson Miller.

The Editor, Sir:

Allow me to express my profound disappointment at the editorial cartoon published in today's issue of The Gleaner. The characterisation of the Most Hon. Prime Minister as portrayed in the cartoon is most distasteful and a blatant disregard for the Office of the Prime Minister.

Over the years, The Gleaner has upheld acceptable standards and principles of professional journalism and this therefore leaves me to believe that the publication of the cartoon was an unfortunate lapse in the editorial process. This is evidenced by the fact that it bears a direct contrast to the balanced editorial published on this very matter by this newspaper on Tuesday, January 30.

The Office of the Prime Minister has always maintained the highest level of transparency as regards the Prime Minister's overseas travel, advising the public through the media, of the purpose and outcome of her travels abroad. Her official overseas travel is undertaken in accordance with the duties of a head of government and in keeping with the need to maintain our relationships with members of the international community.

I am available at all times to respond to any queries and concerns that The Gleaner Company may have about matters relating to the Prime Minister as she executes her duties on behalf of the people of Jamaica.

- Donald Buchanan, Minister of Information and Development.