Jahnai L. Caul, a community advocate and farmer from Jost van Dyke, has demanded that Second District Representative Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull explain comments he made in the House of Assembly linking residents to bathing in seawater during a water shortage.
In a social media statement, Caul said Turnbull's words painted the community in a demeaning light, even though the representative intended to criticise government mismanagement. "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."
Turnbull had told legislators that residents endured roughly three and a half weeks without running water, leaving families unable to wash, use toilets or handle basic tasks. He noted that some turned to seawater and that businesses shut down. His remarks reached regional outlets, including the Jamaica Gleaner, which reported that Jost van Dyke residents were bathing in the sea.
Caul contended that Turnbull should have framed the crisis as a breakdown in water infrastructure and public service delivery, not as material suggesting the community lived in primitive circumstances. He pointed out that using seawater for ordinary tasks like washing hair does not indicate poor hygiene standards.
"When I go to the beach, I shampoo my dreads in the sea and then rinse after," Caul said.
Caul stressed that elected officials bear responsibility for their language, particularly when House statements spread quickly through international and regional news networks. He also took issue with political commentators and media figures, including those associated with the Kross Talk programme, for amplifying the narrative.
Turnbull did not provide a response to requests for comment.
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