Kaya Cattouse Cites Michael Jackson in “Body Shaming” Defence

The political rivalry between Kaya Cattouse and Tracy Panton intensified over the weekend following comments made by Cattouse during a People’s United Party (PUP) campaign event in Independence Village. The Albert constituency candidate took aim at Panton, the sitting United Democratic Party (UDP) Area Representative, in a fiery address that later sparked controversy.

Cattouse declared to supporters, “Because the PUP will win across the north, the south, the west, and in Belize District. We will win Albert, and unu know why? Because Tracy time come and Tracy time done.”

She followed up with a remark that drew sharp reactions: “Because mek we be real, she can’t keep up with me—nuh pan the bike, worse on the campaign trail—and nuh mek we talk bout we ina the mirror.”

Panton swiftly responded via social media, calling the remarks “body shaming” and labeling them “in poor, poor taste.” She insisted that she has intentionally avoided negative campaigning, adding, “Voters are more interested in what I am bringing to the table… Ms. Kaya Cattouse attempts to ‘body shame’ me in Independence yesterday was not well received.”

Cattouse has since defended her comments, stating they were taken out of context. In an interview, she explained:

“I think this is a competition, Isani. And for anybody who took my comments to be other than that, definitely got my message wrong. Looking in the mirror, it’s an introspection. Take a book out of Michael Jackson’s page—The Man in the Mirror. When I look in the mirror, I see a young, fresh, new politician. One that no opponent can keep up with. And that is what I was referring to. So, for anybody who took it other than that.”