JLP Releases Statement Regarding Change in PNP Standard Bearer for Central Kingston

 Press Release From The Jamaica Labour Party - 20250113:

Marlon Morgan - JLP Spokesman

Member of the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Communications Taskforce, Marlon Morgan, says details contained in a revealing social media post by the PNP’s former caretaker for Central Kingston,  Lawrence Rowe and a letter written by PNP President Mark Golding to Rowe, confirm the willingness of the PNP to breach principles of good governance, engage in state capture and employ corrupt means to secure political power.

Rowe's revelation that he was offered millions of dollars, a Senate seat and a Board Position in exchange for his withdrawal as PNP candidate reflects the inappropriate judgement and unprincipled approach of the PNP to the business of governance.

Mr. Morgan says:

"To compound matters, Rowe's revelation that he was promised support from the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation in his campaign for the Central Kingston seat and that the PNP General Secretary, Dr. Dayton Campbell confirmed that there is no intention to deny him the resources reiterates the PNP's willingness to use corrupt means to secure political power. KSAMC Chairman and Kingston's Mayor Andrew Swaby has serious questions to answer following the revelation by Rowe".

Additionally, PNP President Mark Golding's suggestion that he approved a candidate which was rejected by his Party's so called Integrity Committee raises serious serious questions about Golding's judgement and suitability to govern Jamaica.

Among the revelations by Rowe is that on December 30, 2024: 

“The General Secretary [Dayton Campbell] called to inform me that the Party Leader [Mark Golding] had committed to the following: One of the 13 Senate appointments, Board membership at a housing agency, [and] $15 million in resources. He also explained that the party was experiencing a cash flow crisis”.

Mr. Morgan says: 

“The PNP has serious questions to answer as they have not moved to disavow the allegations made by Lawrence Rowe, nor has the public heard of any legal action being telegraphed or pursued against him for asserting things that are untrue and defamatory. Additionally, if the PNP belatedly challenges the allegations, the public can have no assurance that Lawrence Rowe’s silence going forward has not been bought. The PNP is in an invidious and untenable position as the kind of horse-trading disclosed by Lawrence Rowe in the fizzled negotiation of his exit, present an egregious and disturbing proposition of state capture and is an affront to the democratic process in Jamaica”.

Morgan asserted: 

“Opposition Leader Mark Golding is on record indicating his intention to form Government with a ‘topanaris’ set of people around him. While the public may now deduce that Lawrence Rowe is not ‘topanaris’ enough, the real questions that arise are: How many of its decisions does the PNP make in the manner alleged by Lawrence Rowe? Are there other persons with whom the PNP has similarly negotiated, and what monetary reward or position in a future PNP Administration have they been promised?"

Mr. Morgan concluded :

"Jamaica is not a banana republic and should never have its best interests undermined by the machinations of a political party that is desperate for state power. This Lawrence Rowe/PNP feud presents yet another reason why the Jamaican people should reject the PNP and ensure that Mark Golding does not come anywhere near the reins of government in this country”.

Editor's note:

Click this link to see related comments on Facebook. 

 ________________________