Community advocate and farmer Jahnai L. Caul is calling on Second District Representative Honourable Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull to explain precisely what he meant when he told the House of Assembly that residents of Jost Van Dyke had turned to the sea because of water shortages. Photo: Internet Source

Second District Representative Honourable Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull said some residents had resorted to using seawater and that businesses had been forced to close. His comments were subsequently reflected in regional coverage, including a Jamaica Gleaner report stating that some Jost Van Dyke residents were bathing in the sea. Photo: Facebook

Community advocate and farmer Jahnai L. Caul said the statement on Facebook that this comment created an embarrassing and misleading impression of the people of Jost Van Dyke. Photo: Facebook

Caul said in a statement on social media that Hon Turnbull's comment created an embarrassing and misleading impression of the people of Jost van Dyke. 

“I want Turnbull to explain exactly what he meant by Jost van Dyke people having to bathe in the sea,” Caul said. “What this has insinuated is erroneously embarrassing, and whilst he had meant for the embarrassment to be placed on the government, he also embarrassed the very people of the community he represents. That is not how you do things. That is not due representation.”

Turnbull comments reflected in Jamaica Gleaner 

Hon Turnbull previously told the House of Assembly that residents had gone without running water for several weeks, leaving families unable to bathe, flush toilets or meet other basic household needs. 

He said some residents had resorted to using seawater and that businesses had been forced to close. His comments were subsequently reflected in regional coverage, including a Jamaica Gleaner report stating that some Jost van Dyke residents were bathing in the sea.

Caul, however, said the wording failed to provide necessary context and could lead audiences outside the territory to view Jost van Dyke residents in a demeaning or stereotypical manner.

“Ayo think JVD people is some kinda BUSH people that bathing in the sea water and just going sleep or going about their regular day with salt water (dry) on their skin? Why is this the narrative Ayo is pushing to now reach regional media, embarrassing my people?” Caul questioned.

He said the issue should have been presented as a serious failure in water distribution and public infrastructure, rather than in a manner that appeared to ridicule or expose the community. 

Remarks made in HoA

According to reports of Turnbull’s House of Assembly remarks, he said residents had been without running water for approximately three and a half weeks and described the situation as unacceptable. He also said the people of Jost van Dyke were no less deserving of reliable public services than residents elsewhere in the territory. 

Caul said those concerns were legitimate, but argued that elected representatives have a responsibility to choose their words carefully, especially when statements made in the House can quickly reach international and regional media.

“Ayo does just want to go in the HoA and say all kinds of blatant things to exaggerate a point and score political shots against the other!”

'This narrative embarrassing my people'- Jahnai L. Caul 

Caul also criticised the continued public discussion of the matter by political commentators and media personalities, including Aaron F. Parillon, and others associated with the Kross Talk programme. The issue was raised during a podcast discussion before being reported regionally, with claims that the water shortage affected residents beyond Jost van Dyke as well.

He said residents may use the sea for various ordinary activities, including washing their hair, but that this should not automatically be presented as evidence that an entire community is living without basic hygiene.

“When I go to the beach, I shampoo my dreads in the sea and then rinse after,” Caul said. 

Caul added, “Look, Ayo just don’t get me CROSSSSS!!! With this narrative embarrassing my people! Tell PoliParillon, Mitch, Levons and everybody else to JUST HUSH!!!”

Virgin Islands News Online reached out to the Second District Representative, Honourable Turnbull, for comment; however, no response was received prior to publication.