Advertisement 87
Advertisement 323
MP for East Kingstown, Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble in the body piercing video, left, and in the video in which he apologised on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022.
MP for East Kingstown, Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble in the body piercing video, left, and in the video in which he apologised on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022.
Advertisement 219

MP for East Kingstown Dwight Fitzgerald Bramble, on Sunday, apologised for using profanity in a video of him receiving a piercing to his chest two years ago.

Bramble, who is into his first term as a parliamentary representative, said he thought deeply about whether he should respond to the video, which began circulating on social media on Friday.

In a video published on Facebook on Sunday afternoon, Bramble said that while the piercing was a private matter, he thought it important to “to break that pattern of lack of accountability” by some parliamentarians.

He said that since the video emerged, there were “feeble attempts to scandalise 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 or violate anyone”.

The former diplomat said he did not know that the procedure was recorded or that it was posted to social media, until he, “like the rest of the public, saw it there.

Advertisement 271

“I would never, ever sanction something like that. And while my private and personal choice of obtaining a body piercing is not wrong or 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.”

Bramble, a former national goalkeeper, who is known to wear earrings, said he has other body piercings and tattoos for years, even before becoming a parliamentary representative.

He said it is something that “our African forefathers have done with pride throughout our history, for various reasons, including depicting strength and virility.

“I have to admit, however, that the piercing in the video was a lot more painful than I anticipated, which resulted in my reaction with very regrettable profanity.

“I wish here to sincerely apologise to everyone who was offended by the use of such profanity. The use of such language does not reflect my true character,” Bramble said.

“I am human first but my commitment to serve you the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines does not change and will never be shaken.”

He said he would defend and fight for the rights of and a better quality of life for all Vincentians.

“I am serious about this commitment as exemplified by my numerous community-building initiatives over the years. I have to say though, it is disheartening and shameful that malicious elements would attempt to use this video to distract from the real issues at hand.”

Bramble, an economist, spoke of the high and unbearable cost of living, which he said, is plaguing all Vincentians.

“Everything is increasing,” he said, noting the recent increase in bus and taxi fares.

“…  everything is increasing in price except wages and salaries. Mothers and fathers are struggling to send their children back to school as I speak.”

He said that this past week he distributed school supplies to more than 100 children in East Kingstown and wished he could have distributed more.

“Almost half of our population is living on $14 a day or less. That is the reality of the poverty situation in our country. Almost half of our young people are unemployed and they see no hope whatsoever in the policies of this ULP (Unity Labour Party) government.”

He said the incidences of crime and violence are becoming more frightening by the day, adding that one Sunday morning, there was news of another shooting death.

“So many unsolved murders, especially involving girls and woman,” Bramble said.

“It is sad that in an era where lack of accountability for millions of dollars by this government gets swept under the rug and we are exerting so much energy, so much energy, on a video which really and truly does not even help to improve our lives.

“Let us not be distracted by these weak attempts to curtail discussions on the failed policies and projects of this government — the ULP government. Let us not be distracted from the fact that all we can do now in Vincy is eat bread and butter and even that is becoming a challenge,” he said, echoing the lyrics of a popular song during the carnival season.

“Let us focus on the real issues impacting the lives of Vincentians and how we can improve our quality of lives here in our blessed St. Vincent and the Grenadines by working together.”

9 replies on “MP apologises for swearing in body piercing video”

  1. U could have choose or told to maintain a dignify silence but u choose to b honest. Is leaders like u we need to set svg on d rite path.

  2. Fitz is certainly a decent guy. There are decent NDP and ULP politicians. Maybe he should have instead told people sorry for the language but enjoy the distraction from the difficulties they are facing in these times.

  3. Bramble you are a human first and a role model for your young constituents formost. You seem to forget that ,therefore you involved in double speak is not going to cut it.You are a true politician in your very character who cannot be trusted. Words like disengenerous comes to my mind. How are you difffent to the the likes of Camillio is a question for you to ponder in your heart. Your parents must be wondering where did their upbriging failed. Its for you to come clean. Yes indeed you have a personal choice if you failed to be an ambassador for the youths in your community. Simply demit yourn throne.

  4. People should mind their damn business, it is his body given to him by GOD and he have the right to do what ever he likes with it, some times when we are in pain we say o god or throw a few bad words which is normal, does any of the U L P ever apologize for any thing

Comments closed.