Loved ones near and far, I have thought deeply about whether or not I should respond to the video which has been circulating since the day before yesterday on social media. It depicts me receiving a body piercing and the now feeble attempts to scandalize my name for an action carried out in what I thought, frankly, was within the freedom and sanctity of my privacy, and which is a personal choice which does not offend nor violate anyone.
The body piercing procedure in the video was done more than a year ago, almost two years ago. In fact, I was not aware that it was put on social media. I was not aware that the procedure was being recorded, and neither was I aware that it was put on social media until I like the rest of you saw it there.
I will never, ever sanction something like that and while my private and personal choice of obtaining a body piercing is not wrong nor illegal, I thought it necessary to come to you to break that pattern of lack of accountability by some of our politicians and address this matter directly.
Yes, I obtained the body piercing more than a year ago, but I also have tattoos and other body piercings for years now, in fact, even before becoming a parliamentary representative.
This is something that our African forefathers have done with pride throughout their history for various reasons, including depicting strength and virility. I have to admit, however, that the procedure was a lot more painful than I anticipated, which resulted in my reaction with very regrettable profanity.
I wish to sincerely apologize to everyone who was offended by the use of such profanity. The use of such language does not reflect my true character as a politician and parliamentary representative for East Kingstown. I am human first, but my commitment to serve you, the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, does not change and will never be shaken.
I will defend and fight for your rights and a better quality of life for all Vincentians. I’m serious about this commitment, as exemplified by my numerous community-building initiatives over the years. I have to say, though, that it is disheartening and shameful that malicious elements would attempt to use this video to distract from the real issues at hand.