The main Opposition People’s National Congress Reform and the Alliance For Change today called for the resignation of Youth, Culture and Sport Minister, Charles Ramson Jr. over the way he dealt with a matter that involved the Administrator of the Burrowes School of Art, Ivor Thom.

Mr. Ramson is accused of berating the well respected artist over a parking issue in the school compound, while ignoring Thom’s complaint of a racist slur that was hurled at him by the same person who was involved in the parking issue. It was also alleged that during the meeting, the Minister told the School Administrator that his image does not reflect the Culture Ministry.

At a press conference today, AFC Leader Nigel Hughes, said Ramson has failed to clarify or recall his statement.

He said such a statement also renders the Minister incapable of representing the country on Culture locally and internationally.

“And as a consequence, we believe that the Minister, if he is posses of some level of dignity and decency will offer his resignation immediately. And so, beyond doubt, the Alliance For Change unequivocally calls for the immediate resignation of the Minister of Culture after the utterances a week ago, and his failure to apologise, qualify, reject or disassociate himself with them,” Hughes said.

Mr. Hughes said the statement is highly offensive and cannot be allowed to stand.

For its part, the People’s National Congress, through its executive member, Nima Flue- Bess, said the recent conduct by Minister Ramson in the Ivor Thom incident is not a one-off event and represents a display of arrogance, racial bias, and incompetence of the Minister.

“The public is already aware of the details surrounding the disrespectful treatment of Mr. Thom, renowned sculptor and Director of the Burrowes School of Arts. That Minister Ramson verbally abused and insulted Mr. Thom, and showed no interest in his explanation of the situation, points to the Minister’s immaturity, his unsuitability for the job he holds, and the collective arrogant and racist mentality of the PPP elite,” Flue-Bess stated.

The school Administrator had resigned from his position after a meeting with the Culture Minister. However, he later withdrew his resignation and returned to his job following the Vice President’s intervention.

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