Despite being the silent voice to the fierce political debate, the discussion around sign language interpretation at the national event continues to increase in decibels among online users, amidst controversy about the alleged blacklisting of noted sign language interpreter Antoinette “Toni” Aiken.

Social Media users commenting on Tuesday’s debate between members of the JLP and PNP expressed indifference towards some of the translations by another interpreter, with some sharing solidarity with the experienced Aiken

Aiken, one of the island’s noted interpreters, expressed that she was being blacklisted by the Jamaica Debates Commission (JDC), following the absence of an interpreter from the first two debates via her social media.

A sentiment which gained much traction among political discourse, presumably leading to the inclusion of an interpreter during Tuesday’s face-off; however, the ‘stand-in’ interpreter’s performance on the night has seemingly gained a below-par rating by some online users.

Commenting on the spotting simple errors, such as : ” not being able to sign a simple phrase like Prime Minister, Rights….Public sector…Aiken also moved to offer some defence to the interpreter on the night, noting that it’s a matter of being qualified and competent at this level at these types of occasions, while responding to a user who theorised on her experience level of the interpreter.

The deaf community also added their voice of concern over the situation, along with the members of the political and civil sphere, with the JDC reportedly issuing an apology for the initial absence and commitment to having an interpreter present at the remaining debate.