The People’s National Party’s candidate for Member of Parliament for Trelawny North, turncoat Dennis Meadows, has apologised for recent utterances made in which he seemingly endorsed individuals who engage in fraudulent activities.

In a video now circulating on social media, Meadows can be heard saying that he takes no issues with “choppas.”

In Jamaica, a “choppa” refers to a person involved in scamming activities.

“Let me tell you straight up, and me can speak openly, I have no problem with a man if him wah chop because dem chop us during slavery so nothing wrong if we chop dem back,” he said. “My only problem with chopping is that when you bingo, and you score, use the money wisely.”

Meadows faced a sea of criticism following his remarks and has since withdrawn his statement.

In a press release on Wednesday, Meadows said the views expressed by him in the video are not a true reflection of his personal stance on scamming.

“I would like to address video excerpts of comments I made on the final leg of the local government elections (LGE) campaign that do not reflect my true stance on criminal activities, particularly lottery scamming,” his statement read. “I unequivocally withdraw those remarks and want to make it clear that I condemn any form of fraud and criminal behaviour generally.”

Describing his actions as “thoughtless and unwise”, Meadows further expressed that he is “fully committed to upholding the law and collaborating with law enforcement authorities to prevent crime in all its manifestations.”

“I sincerely apologise to the Jamaican people, Comrade Leader Mark Golding, the PNP leadership, and our supporters in North Trelawny for the offence caused by my inappropriate comments,” his statement continued.

Meanwhile, the youth arm of the Jamaica Labour Party, Generation 2000 (G2K), is demanding that PNP leader Mark Golding reconsider his candidacy for Member of Parliament.

In a statement also on Wednesday, G2K president, Shayne Kerr said Meadows’ remarks should be taken as clear indication of the “type of society Mr Meadows will seek to empower if given the opportunity to serve as a legislator.”

Meanwhile, PNP General Secretary, Dr Dayton Campbell, has rebuked the comments made by Meadows.

“The party does not condone nor support any endorsement or tolerance of criminal activities, including lottery scams or any form of fraud.The PNP, under the leadership of Mark Golding, is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and adherence to the rule of law,” a statement from PNP read.

While expressing disappointment in Meadows’ remarks, Campbell, however, stated that he noted Meadows’ “public withdrawal of the comments and full-throated apology”.

Meadows resigned from the JLP in March 2022 following what he described then as a toxic relationship. He joined the PNP in October and moved up in the hierarchy of the party, becoming chairman of the constituency and now caretaker candidate.

Meadows has made three failed bids to win the constituency.