'Lies!' PNP dismisses claims of former caretaker Lawrence Rowe

By Kimone Witter    

 

Opposition Leader Mark Golding has dismissed claims that the People's National Party offered money and resources to former caretaker of the Central Kingston constituency, Lawrence Rowe, to step aside to make way for retired Senior Superintendent Steve McGregor as the party's standard bearer for the upcoming general election.

 

Addressing supporters in Central Kingston on Wednesday night, Mr. Golding reiterated the PNP's position that there is no truth to the claims made by Mr. Rowe.

 

He said the party feels strongly that Steve McGregor is the right man to retake the seat from the JLP. 

 

"A whole heep a little things have been said in the last few days. Bwoy, mi nuh know how much lie can tell on radio and TV and wherever, social media. The party took a decision in accordance with the rules of the party, in the best interest of the people of Central Kingston, because we have to win the seat and we want unite around a quality candidate who can deliver the victory, and we found Steve McGregor and he's willing to serve and he came onboard," Mr. Golding maintained. 

 

The PNP president said Mr. McGregor's selection marks a new day for Central Kingston because "all a di likkle shenanigans and tings weh gwaan before, that cut out now. A real man is here to serve the people and to deliver for the people." 

 

The Opposition Leader also disclosed that Steve McGregor will play a key role in the country's security apparatus should the PNP form the next government.

 

"I believe in Steve because Steve has shown what he can do already and he's moving into a new realm. A new realm of service - service to you, the people of Central Kingston. And I know he will deliver. And he also increases my option when we form the next government, because the man has certain skills, and certain knowledge, and certain experience, and certain network," said the PNP president. 

 

Still, the PNP has described the claims by Mr. Rowe surrounding his removal as caretaker as spurious and said the matter will be addressed at a time convenient to the party.

 

 

But the Jamaica Labour Party has labelled as unacceptable and an insult to the Jamaican people, the PNP's response to the allegations of corruption raised by Mr. Rowe.

 

Following the announcement of his removal on the weekend, Mr. Rowe took to social media claiming he was forced out of the position amid a breakdown in negotiations.

 

He claimed that he was offered a Senate seat and $15 million in resources, among other incentives to walk away quietly.

 

JLP communication spokesman Marlon Morgan said the PNP hierarchy should come clean on the allegations, without further delay. 

 

"The response from the PNP to the Lawrence Rowe/PNP hush money scandal is unacceptable, smacks of arrogance and quite frankly is an insult to the intelligence of the people of Jamaica. For the PNP, which is now clearly desperate for political power, to take such a dismissive approach to very serious issues of corruption and bad governance practices, it shows their contempt for the people of this country," Mr. Morgan suggested.