Private sector groups join call for MP George Wright to resign

 

The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) have added their voices to the call for Westmoreland Central Member of Parliament George Wright to resign.

 

Mr. Wright has been embroiled in controversy since the release of a video showing a man hitting a woman with a stool during a violent confrontation.

 

The private sector groups say since Mr. Wright has not publicly insisted on his unequivocal innocence, he is not of the calibre that belongs in the Parliament.

 

Imega Breese McNab, Executive Director at the PSOJ, says Parliament cannot be seen to be delicately manoeuvring between the issues in demanding accountability. 

 

"Even though the leave of absence is there, there is no acceptance or denial from this alleged candidate, so there's no further action that can be taken at this point in time. But we feel that, not only from a political standpoint, but nationally, this is such as grievous matter that has put the nation in disrepute and that we need to send a clear signal to our women, to all genders, that we will not accept this type of behaviour and that as a people, we should call for the alleged assailant to do the honourable thing, the right thing and step aside," she insisted.

 

Mrs Breese McNab said the groups also support the call for impeachment legislation to be brought to parliament. 

 

She said the promise had been made by the Golding administration and was repeated by Prime Minister Andrew Holness in 2016, so all effort should be made to ensure the bill is pushed through "immediately or within this current fiscal year."

 

The police have ended their probe into the allegations of assault against Mr. Wright because of lack of evidence.

 

However, the MP has taken a leave of absence from parliament.