KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP) says its President, Dr Peter Phillips, has not resigned from the post and is labelling a letter circulating with such information as “a blatant act of forgery”.

The party said the matter has been reported to the Office of the Political Ombudsman and the police, noting that the untrue statement, which bears Phillips’ signature, emerged during yesterday’s by-election in Portland Eastern.

The Opposition party said the letter is the work of those who wish to destroy the PNP and bring the leadership into disrepute.

“The efforts of those who would wish to inflict injury, by whatever means, upon the good character of [the] party president and create division will not be allowed,” said the PNP in a statement.

The party informed that it is carrying out its own investigations and will make the findings public.

In the meantime the Opposition thanked the more than 9,000 electors in Portland Eastern who voted for its candidate Damion Crawford in the by-election.

Crawford polled 9,611 votes, losing to the candidate for the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and a political newcomer, Ann-Marie Vaz, who won by 306 votes.

“We remain grateful to the thousands of Comrades, workers and supporters who ensured a strong performance in the race,” it said.

“We heartily congratulate our candidate Comrade Vice President Damion Crawford who in a very short time proudly carried the banner of the party, was embraced by the constituency and had a good showing at the finish.”

The PNP also congratulated Vaz on her victory and wished her all the best in her new role.