Duke: Use of ‘N’ word a term of endearment

Public Service Association President Watson Duke has defended his use of a racial slur when calling on members of the public not to support the People’s National Movement in the upcoming local government election.
Speaking on a morning talk show on Power 102, he only apologised to those who misunderstood what he meant when using the term.
Volume 0%Loading ad
“The only regret I have is that the word, use of the word is being misunderstood by a number of voters and maybe a few supporters because the word has been misused and abused, ” said Duke, ” but ni… (word called) is a Latin word that literally means black. However, while the word continues with the same pronunciation the spelling change over time and the meaning change over time it actually turns out to be a very derogatory word eventually for a great part of our history to put down black people.”
However, Duke said the word has held a different connotation recently.
“But currently it is used as a term of endearment among black people. When the word was used yesterday, it was used as part of my oratory skills, ” he said.
When asked if he felt it was appropriate to use the word on Monday, Duke said based on the treatment of public servants it was one of the ways to get his message across.
He once again repeated his concern that despite announcements of salary increases for On The Job Trainees, CEPEP and URP workers and the minimum wage, public servants saw no increase for six years.