Barnswell mum after facing court

Surrounded by a rowdy group of People's National Party (PNP) supporters, embattled Mayor of May Pen, Scean Barnswell, was yesterday briskly whisked away from the Half-Way Tree Resident Magistrate's Court, where he had gone to answer to charges of breach of the Contractor General Act.

Barnswell is accused of attempting to mislead the contractor general in the Spaldings Market controversy.

With his supporters in tow and shouting "No comment", Barnswell remained mum when asked about whether he would be stepping down as mayor.

Richard Azan, who was forced to vacate his office as junior minister for commissioning the construction of the 10 shops in the Spaldings Market without the parish council's approval, was on hand to lend his full support to the mayor.

Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn, on the recommendation of the Office of the Contractor General, had ruled that Barnswell be charged; however, she ruled that there was not enough evidence to initiate criminal proceedings against Azan.

Barnswell was brought before the contractor general as part of the investigations into the building of the shops in the Spaldings Market.

Azan was not the only high-profile PNP member showing the mayor support yesterday.

State minister in the Ministry of Finance and North Clarendon Member of Parliament (MP), Horace Dalley, along with Eastern St Catherine MP Denise Dalley, was also in attendance.

Several PNP councillors from the Clarendon Parish Council were also present at yesterday's proceedings.

Barnswell is to return to court on November 26.