Threat Against Councillor Venesha Phillips: A Glimpse into Politic...

Source: BNN Breaking - Breaking News, World News and Local News. The People's Network.
Author: Ebenezer Mensah

Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) Papine Division Councillor, Venesha Phillips, has reported a perceived threat of violence against her to the police. The alleged threat, made in a TikTok video by an individual known as 'Sheppy,' has raised concerns and ignited discussions around political violence and respect among public figures.

In the TikTok video, Sheppy is seen threatening to gouge Phillips' eye, an action that elicited laughter from the group present, including Dr. Angela Brown Burke, the Chairman of the People's National Party (PNP) and Member of Parliament for South West St. Andrew. Dr. Brown Burke responded to the threat by suggesting it should be taken figuratively, not literally.

Phillips, who switched her political allegiance from the PNP to the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in November of the previous year, took the threat seriously and filed a report with the Matilda's Corner Police. The switch in political parties and the subsequent threat have brought attention to the precarious nature of political alliances and the potential for violence stemming from such circumstances.

Attempts to reach Dr. Brown Burke for comments on the incident were unsuccessful. Similarly, PNP General Secretary Dr. Dayton Campbell claimed to be unaware of the video. As the incident continues to gain attention, the silence or lack of knowledge from key PNP figures raises questions about the party's stance on the incident.

Robert Morgan, the Chairman of the JLP's Public Relations Committee, strongly condemned the threats made against Councillor Phillips. His condemnation and call for respect among political figures underscores the need for eliminating violence or threats thereof, from political discourses.