Tufton under fire for telling journalist she needs therapy

Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton is facing criticisms over a response from his X account to journalist Zahra Burton stating, "You need mental health therapy! I hope you seek it!" following her comment about his recent national honour.

The October 20 post was in reply to Burton's comment on a post by an X user showing Tufton after he received the national honour, the Order of Distinction (Commander), at a ceremony on Monday. Burton wrote, "Classic Jamaica. Classic. Just incredible. Lol."

Tufton has been criticised by some online users. "Uncouth response," one person stated.

"From a Dr not so qualified to diagnose; with a seeming delusion grade inability to tell right from wrong; and responsibility for 'destigmatizing' and 'unweaponising' mental illness; who imported the bench but not the wellness. Irony abounds," posted Dr Deborah Hickling Gordon, former Opposition PNP Spokesperson on Culture.

Another user said: "Yes, of course. Perpetuate the stigma Mr Health Minister. The minister of the people. Amazing Job. Bravo."

"This is not acceptable," added another.

Some persons seemingly agreed with Tufton. "Wellness bench for a start," one user said.

One account added: "Tufton a bad boy eno."

The post remains on the account @christufton.

On Wednesday morning, Tufton posted on X that he has "experienced" hostility online, accompanied by a photo of himself sitting on a wellness bench, a concept used by his ministry as a symbol for safe spaces and as a tool to promote communication about mental wellness.

"When people face constant hostility or provocation online, it takes a toll. I have seen it and experienced it. But I still believe we can rise above it. We all need to protect our peace, take care of our mental health, and choose empathy, even in disagreement," the post said.

Burton grabbed attention in July 2020 when she asked Tufton at a ministry news conference if he had cheated on his wife with any of the principals of Market Me, a marketing and public relations company.

An agitated Tufton told Burton that it was "none of your business."

The official presentation of Tufton's national award followed the October 7 release of an Integrity Commission report in which he was criticised for his actions surrounding the ministry's engagement of Market Me for the physical fitness campaign, Jamaica Moves.

Tufton and Lyndsey McDonnough, co-managing director of the company, failed to declare their "friendship" while her company received nearly $80 million across 15 contracts - 14 from the from the health ministry and one from the National Family Planning Board, according to the report.

Director of Investigations Kevon Stephenson said that while there was no evidence Tufton directly influenced the award of the contracts, Tufton's statements to staff suggesting that Market Me "be involved in all PR matters related to the Office of the Minister" could be reasonably interpreted "to have indirectly influenced the engagement of Market Me."

The report said the minister "appeared to have advanced a private interest which resulted in a monetary benefit to Market Me Consulting Limited," and that his introduction of the company and its principals to ministry officials "gave rise to, at its lowest, a perceived conflict of interest and thereby contravened the principles of transparency and good governance."

Tufton welcomed the report, noting that it clarified "the facts and put to rest years of speculation."

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