Phillip Paulwell, Member of Parliament for East Kingston - file photo
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Phillip Paulwell
East Kingston Member of Parliament Phillip Paulwell has rejected suggestions of impropriety in his acceptance of the $6 million donation from Petrojam for Camperdown High School to upgrade its sporting facility.
In a report, the Director of Investigations at the Integrity Commission said only $1.75 million was spent on drawings and plans, but no evidence was given to support statements from Mr. Paulwell that the balance was in an interest bearing account at National Commercial Bank.
Camperdown High Principal Valentine Bailey has since come forward to support Mr. Paulwell's account, adding that the balance was spent on operating expenses at the school such as electricity and water bills.
Mr. Bailey said Mr. Paulwell was not involved in the spending of the money.
In a post on his Facebook page Thursday morning, Mr. Paulwell explained that he was approached by then energy minister Dr. Andrew Wheatley to choose a charity for a donation from Petrojam.
"I immediately thought of Camperdown. Camperdown is regarded as the sprint capital of Jamaica and indeed they do very well at football and they have been trying to secure their own field for many years and I have been trying to assist them."
"So it was without hesitation that I submitted the proposal, which I gather the Petrojam board considered and approved, and afterwards submitted, through me, a cheque for $6 million. The cheque was made out in the name of Camperdown High School, it was handed over to the principal and that was it for me," Mr. Paulwell declared.
Mr. Paulwell said he expects that Camperdown's prinicpal will give a full account of the expenditure to him as well as to Petrojam.
"I'm very concerned about what has happened with Petrojam and I believe those processes must be concluded and the chips fall where they may. But in relation to Camperdown High School, I'm very confident that everything has been done above board," he indicated.
In his statement on Wednesday, Mr. Bailey said the school can account for all the funds spent if required.
He added that the school intends to replace the money once it is able to resume the project for the sporting facility.
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