PNP denies promising Lawrence Rowe payment to step away as Kingston Central caretaker

By Racquel Porter    

 

PNP General Secretary Dr. Dayton Campbell has denied promising his party's former caretaker for Kingston Central, Lawrence Rowe, $15 million to withdraw his candidacy.

 

Mr. Rowe, who resigned from the party after he was replaced by retired Senior Superintendent of Police Steve McGregor, had made social media posts suggesting he was forced out amid a breakdown in negotiations involving a promised $15 million in resources, a board appointment to a state housing agency, and a seat in the Senate.

 

But speaking on Radio Jamaica's Hotline with host Emily Shields on Friday, Dr. Campbell said the only discussion in relation to money was in regards to reimbursement of cash spent in preparation for the upcoming election.

 

Dr. Campbell said after Mr. Rowe was informed on December 27 that he was no longer the candidate, he alone met with Mr. Rowe on December 30, after Mr. Rowe reached out to him via WhatsApp expressing that he was in a "dark place".

 

He said he asked Mr. Rowe whether other options were discussed with him. It was at that point he suggested to Mr. Rowe that he could still play a role in the party, citing the example of the Jamaica Labour Party's Dr. Nigel Clarke and Duane Smith. 

 

"Yes, we had we had discussions and he would have put things forward. So in the meeting, I asked him if he could work in another constituency - I won't say which. He asked me if we want him out of the seat as well. I said no, if you are willing to stay in the constituency, then that would be the perfect ideal situation. But if you can't work there, I would still want to see you working somewhere to prove to persons the metal of who you are, that you are a true comrade, bona fide, and though disappointed, you're still going to be a part of the party and still work towards it winning."

 

Dr. Campbell said Mr. Rowe then mentioned that he had expended a lot of resources, amounting to about $15 million, and would want to be reimbursed.

 

"I asked him how much he would want to be reimbursed and... I think the final figure he said was $7 million. I told him that I would have the discussions and get back to him," said the PNP General Secretary. 

 

Dr. Campbell said during discussion with the leadership of the party, he was told that they had never reimbursed a candidate and will not be doing so.

 

Pressing further, Mrs. Shields asked the general secretary who told Mr. Rowe that a Senate appointment and the deputy Education Shadow Minister position were a possibility. 

 

But Dr. Campbell steered clear of calling names, saying only that the matter was discussed with the members of the leadership of the party.