DEAL DENIAL
PNP rejects Kgn Central bartering claims as JLP slams opposition party
Published:Tuesday | January 14, 2025 | 12:20 AM
The People’s National Party (PNP) is rejecting allegations that it was negotiating millions of dollars with Lawrence Rowe, who it has discarded as its representative for Kingston Central in the general election due by September.
The party announced on Saturday that it was withdrawing Rowe and confirmed yesterday that retired crime-fighter Steve McGregor would be his replacement. On Sunday, Rowe made social media posts suggesting that he was forced out amid a breakdown in negotiations involving millions of dollars, a board position at a state housing agency, and a promised Senate position.
The opposition party was mum on the claims until a Monday evening statement that did not address the full range of allegations.
“The People’s National Party notes with concern the spurious allegations relating to monetary offers being circulated by a former candidate, sections of the media, and the Jamaica Labour Party,” it said in a statement.
It added: “While such claims may spark political intrigue for some, they contradict the party’s longstanding policies and practices.
“The PNP remains focused on upholding the principles of transparency and good governance. The matter will be addressed at a time convenient to the party.”
Earlier, the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) slammed the party and its president Mark Golding, saying they had questions to answer based on Rowe’s assertions.
“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,” said Marlon Morgan, a member of the JLP’s Communications Taskforce, ahead of the PNP’s response.
The party argued that Rowe’s revelations raise concerns about the PNP’s commitment to good governance and what it is willing to do to secure political power.
“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,” Morgan said.
Morgan also criticised Golding over reports that he went against the party’s Integrity Committee and selected Rowe as the caretaker. This was not addressed in the PNP’s statement.
Meanwhile, McGregor, a former senior superintendent of police, has appealed to residents of Kingston Central to “get on board” what he calls his “Love Train”, as he introduced himself as the PNP’s representative for the constituency.
“I will crank up a ‘Love Train’ rolling through the communities to spread love, to inspire, to empower and to ultimately create safe communities; so that you, your children, and the rest of your family can be safe,” McGregor stated in a message to residents on Monday.
McGregor, who served the Jamaica Constabulary Force for 41 years, highlighted his deep ties to the constituency, where he grew up and attended Franklin Town Primary and Kingston College.
“As someone who was raised in the Central Kingston constituency, attended primary and high schools there, played football and ran through the same gullies with other young boys in this constituency; I understand your needs and I am the best person to represent you in Parliament,” he declared.
He emphasised his track record as commanding officer for the Kingston Central police division, from 2010- 2012, pointing to what he said were significant achievements in reducing crime.
“I initiated an anti-crime plan which saw a 65 per cent reduction in murders,” McGregor noted, adding that his efforts were recognised by former Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington.
“When your communities are safe, they become more attractive to investors, improve the quality of life for residents, offer a stable foundation for sustainable growth and development, ultimately reducing the fear of crime which is very critical in our country today,” he said. “I am looking forward to serving you.”
Kingston Central has been rocked by decades of deadly gang violence.