MoBay reacts to shock 'scam' arrests
Published:Friday | July 20, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Adrian Frater, News Editor
City official evasive, vendors elated
Western Bureau:
While city officials remain evasive, if not elusive, the ordinary citizens of Montego Bay, St James, are openly discussing Wednesday's shocking arrest of Deputy Mayor Michael Troupe and fellow People's National Party (PNP) Councillor Sylvan Reid
"I don't know if they (Troupe and Reid) are guilty but if they are, shame on them," said Jervis Simpson, a domestic helper. "These allegations are quite serious and if they are guilty, they must feel the full weight of the law."
Councillors Troupe and Reid were both arrested by the Leon Clunis-led Lottery Scam Task Force following raids on their respective homes. Items, including cash, appliances and an illegal firearm, were seized during the raids.
"I do hope that the police have solid evidence against them," said schoolteacher Yvonne Campbell. "The allegations are quite serious and stand to compromise their reputation."
North West St James Member of Parliament Dr Horace Chang, one of only a few public officials who chose not to be evasive, said the news was most embarrassing and urged both councillors to withdraw from the political process, pending the outcome of the case against them.
"I believe the boundary in terms of what the people expect of political leaders has been crossed in this instance," said Chang. "I believe both men should withdraw themselves from the political process, pending the outcome of the case."
In refusing to offer a public comment, a prominent businessman said Troupe was a fellow justice of the peace and as such, it would be like discussing a member of your family publicly.
" ... I would not want to make any negative comments against him," the businessman said. "I am just hoping and praying that this is all a big mistake."
Vendors rejoice
However, while the Granville community, where Troupe resides and has been serving as councillor since 1996, remains firmly behind him, some vendors on the streets of downtown Montego Bay are rejoicing.
"The day before them grab him (Troupe), he was right here on the street helping to mash up vendors' stall and seizing their goods," said Millicent Blake, a vendor operating in Sam Sharpe Square. "When he confronted me, I told him today for me and tomorrow for you … . I never know my words would catch so fast."
On Tuesday, Troupe was a part of a St James Parish Council team which, along with the police, carried out an anti-vending operation in downtown Montego Bay. During the operation, stalls were demolished and items seized.
… Holness weighs in
Opposition Leader Andrew Holness has warned that the current legal framework cannot adequately protect the country's political process from tainted money or being infiltrated by criminals.
Holness made the observation yesterday in response to the arrest of two People's National Party (PNP) councillors who police investigators say are linked to the lottery scam.
He said the time is now right for the country to fast-track legislation for the registration of political parties in an effort to insulate them from criminal activity.
"The legislation for the registration of political parties and the regulation of campaign financing also contain provisions which can assist in the development of appropriate standards," Holness said in a statement released yesterday.
Meanwhile, G2K West, the St James chapter of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) affiliate Generation 2000, said it was appalled at the arrest of Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay Michael Troupe and his colleague Councillor Sylvan Reid.
"This recent development has served a severe blow to the image of the tourist capital of Jamaica and has again brought to the fore the unsavoury connection between politics and criminality," a statement from G2K West said.