THE People’s National Party (PNP) has moved swiftly to cut ties with a schoolteacher it had lined up to represent it in the local government election in St Elizabeth.

The teacher, Oshane Gayle, was selected to represent the PNP in the Lacovia Division of St Elizabeth North Western.

But Gayle was charged by the police on Sunday with assault after allegedly hitting his pregnant partner with a piece of board during a dispute.

Responding to the allegations against its councillor-candidate, the PNP, in a release on Monday, said it stands resolutely against violence and is firmly committed to a society free from harm and where the well-being of every citizen is paramount.

The party said the incident involving Gayle triggered its prompt and unequivocal response.

According to PNP Chairman Dr Angela Brown Burke, the party condemns the alleged actions while emphasising that violence within the context of a domestic dispute is entirely inconsistent with its core values.

“In response to this situation the People’s National Party has revoked Mr Gayle’s candidacy, underscoring its unswerving dedication to ethical standards and the safeguarding of citizens’ rights and dignity,” said Brown Burke.

“The PNP firmly maintains its intolerance for behaviours that compromise the safety and dignity of individuals and remains dedicated to upholding high ethical standards. The party urges all involved parties to fully cooperate with legal authorities as the case proceeds in accordance with the law,” added Brown Burke.

This is the second time in less than a month that the PNP has parted ways with a councillor-caretaker accused of illegal activities.

On October 10, in a statement over the signature of its spokeswoman on gender Denise Daley, the PNP announced that it had cut ties with Tyrone Guthrie, its provisional councillor-candidate for the Friendship Division in Westmoreland.

Guthrie was relieved of his provisional title after the party was made aware that he was facing charges relating to the abduction and rape of a 16-year-old girl.

“We commend the swift action taken by the police in this matter which resulted in Mr Guthrie turning himself in and being subsequently charged. Justice must be served, and due process must be followed to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.

“Our party stands firmly against any form of violence or sexual abuse, and will closely monitor the developments of this case to ensure justice is served. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and engaged in the pursuit of a more just and equitable society,” the PNP said in the release.