Opposition MP Says One Nation Concert Was Used as Political Prop
Opposition MP Kelvin Simon has criticised Prime Minister Gaston Browne over his appearance at the recent One Nation Concert, arguing that the event was misused for political self-promotion rather than national unity.
In a strongly worded social media post, Simon said the concert, which was intended to bring the country together through music and culture, was “meant to unite the country through music and culture—not be repurposed as a political prop.”
Referring to the Prime Minister’s performance persona as “Gassy Dread,” Simon said it turned “what should have been a moment of national togetherness into an act of desperate self-promotion.”
Simon further described the performance as “less tribute than parody,” adding that it was “off-key, disconnected, stripped of reverence reggae culture deserves.”
He argued that leadership must approach cultural spaces with restraint, stating, “When leadership treats culture as costume out of desperation, unity gives way to discomfort.” He added, “Some spaces require humility, not performance. This was one of them.”
Simon also linked his criticism to ongoing public concern about reports surrounding a proposed US$15,000 visa bond for certain United States visa applicants, saying there were still “no answers” on the issue.
“NO ANSWERS. ALL NOISE,” Simon wrote. “Still no answers on the $15,000 US visa bond. Just the Gassy Dread Show — off key, off message and off putting.”
The government has not publicly responded to Simon’s comments.
