Social media in frenzy over Portia’s assets

Social media went into a frenzy over the past 24 hours after the release of documents detailing Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller's liquid assets, valuing approximately $15 million.

Some persons decried the documents released to the media from her filings with the Integrity Commission. They questioned whether there were offshore accounts, and raised issues of other assets that may not have been declared, as well as her salary accrued while in office up to February of this year.

"... J$14 million in assets? How come? If it was US$14 million I still wouldn't believe," one Facebook user commented.

"How can you be earning in excesses (sic) of $7 million per year and only value that? You [are] in politics for over 40 years!" another user declared.

TAVISTOCK PROPERTY

Meanwhile, some persons asked about the property bought by Simpson Miller at Tavistock Terrace, Kingston 6.

"How did you verify the completeness of assets? Also, strange that she used historical cost accounting instead of fair value. If you should index $58,000 when that house was bought to today's value, we [would be] speaking of millions [of dollars]," one person said.

When The Gleaner visited the Tavistock property yesterday, the residence appeared to be unoccupied for some time, with significant overgrowth of weeds and grass. In addition, there were several fruit trees scattered about the property.

Despite the concerns raised by some, other persons on social media defended Simpson Miller's declaration.

"Jamaicans are such waggonists at everything. Portia Simpson Miller was once easily the most loved Jamaican woman. Suddenly you all hate her, or are socialised to hate her???" one user enquired.

- Mikhail Williams