The Office of the Political Ombudsman has initiated a probe into what have been deemed racially divisive comments, made by minister Everald Warmington at a recent party meeting.

The comments, in relation to opposition leader Mark Golding, suggested that he would never become prime minister of Jamaica because of his skin colour.

The comments have been condemned by several stakeholders, including members of the business community.

The office of the political ombudsman confirmed this morning that contact has been made with Mr Warmington over the offensive comments.

Meantime, the People’s National Party, PNP, has expressed disgust at the comments levied against its leader.

In a statement, the party said Mr. Warmington’s comments are despicable and in poor taste.

It said the comments are not only offensive to Mr. Golding but to all Jamaicans and is an also insult to Jamaica’s Motto: ‘Out of many, one people’.

The party stressed that Mr Golding was born in Jamaica at the University Hospital of the West Indies, while noting that his nationality and heritage are of unquestionable authenticity.

The party said it trusts that Prime Minister Holness and JLP General Secretary Dr Horace Chang will ensure that they distance the JLP from the offensive statements of Mr Warmington.