PORT ANTONIO, Portland — Member of Parliament, Daryl Vaz, yesterday told his West Portland constituents to “continue to pray and not to worry”, as he will be vindicated.

“I am not at liberty to speak about the matter that is in front of the court but let me assure you as you see me here doing my work. As long as it takes for me to be vindicated I’ll be working the same 110 per cent; 24-hours-a-day; seven days a week; three-sixty-five-days a year to make sure that I live up to the commitment and the confidence that you place in me by electing me as Member of Parliament,” Vaz said.

He added, “no man can take that away from me other than you the people. So fret not thyself and continue to pray and keep strong”.

Vaz was speaking at the opening of a community centre in his constituency.

The West Portland MP is charged under Section 14 of the Corruption Prevention Act in an incident involving Senior Superintendent James Forbes, businessman Bruce Bicknell and policeman Jubert Llewellyn.

Bicknell is accused of making comments to police officers during a spot check in East Kingston, which led them to believe he was trying to bribe them after they charged him for speeding.

It is alleged that Vaz and Forbes subsequently intervened on behalf of Bicknell with Vaz offering special favours to the police for dropping the charges against Bicknell.

Forbes and Bicknell have been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Bicknell pleaded not guilty to the charges at the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s court this week.

Forbes and Vaz are on bail.