Following is the full text of the statement issued by PNP chairman Bobby Pickersgill announcing that Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller had ordered the return of $31 million to Trafigura:

Controversy has surrounded the monies received on behalf of the People’s National Party from Trafigura Baheer, for its election campaign fund. This offer of funds had been accepted in good faith on the understanding that arrangements would be put in place to satisfy the payments as requested by the company.

On Saturday, the Party Leader, Comrade Portia Simpson Miller, having considered the matter, instructed the officers of the Party that steps should be taken to have the funds returned. The Party Leader made it clear that, in addition to principles of transparency, she had no wish for the Party to become embroiled in controversy.

The Party President insisted that she wishes to concentrate on the process of governance and dealing with the issues that are relevant to improving the lives of the Jamaican people.

Robert Pickersgill

Chairman