St Catherine Municipal Corporation to set up ethics committee after Rude Boy billboard controversy

The St Catherine Municipal Corporation has announced the establishment of an ethics committee to guide how billboards are displayed across the parish, following public controversy over a Rude Boy billboard criticised as being sexually suggestive.

The announcement was made by Chairman Norman Scott during the corporation’s general meeting on Thursday. 

“We are establishing an ethics committee to deal with the issue so that a debacle like this will not happen in the future,” Scott said.

He said the committee will develop clear policy guidelines aimed at protecting the integrity of the corporation and ensuring proper oversight.

Scott said the new framework will provide a defined policy governing what is advertised and how it is presented.

The move follows the removal of a billboard in Kingston that was widely criticised for its suggestive imagery while promoting a tonic wine product.

A Rude Boy billboard was removed from Rockfort in eastern Kingston last week after the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation said it did not give the required approval. 

The billboard, which promoted a product branded “Rude Boy Original”, featured a bottle at the centre flanked by raised legs wearing black fishnet stockings and high-heeled boots. The slogan “#DrinkRude” appeared on one side of the sign, while the words “Rude Boy” were displayed prominently in brightly coloured lettering.

Critics said it was too sexually suggestive and located near a school crossing, while others argued that it was good marketing and no different from naked statues across the country. 

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