TWO major private sector organisations and the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) issued statements yesterday seeking urgent action against Cabinet Minister Everald Warmington for statements he made at a constituency rally in St Catherine on Tuesday about sharing government funds.

These bodies — Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) — also expressed displeasure with the comments of Dennis Meadows, the PNP caretaker for Trelawny Northern, whose remarks supporting “scammers” were swiftly withdrawn by him and the Opposition PNP.

The PSOJ said that it was “deeply concerned” about the circulation of a video on social media showcasing members of the political directorate engaging in “unseemly behaviour”.

The JCC said: “Mr Warmington claims that Kurt Waul, the PNP candidate who has reportedly unseated the JLP incumbent Lloyd Grant in the Old Harbour South Division, would not get a cent in public sector funds that may be spent by his ministry in the district.”

“Mr Warmington well knows that the funds earmarked for expenditure to address municipal issues are not his money but belongs to the taxpayer. Similarly, he well knows that there is no scope for authorising an outgoing councillor to carry on exercising the authority and responsibilities of duly elected public officers.

“Mr Warmington’s remarks are particularly concerning in light of Prime Minister Holness’s statements in his late-night press conference where the prime minister adopted a sober and even-handed posture in his remarks during which he praised the contenders from each political party for waging competitive campaigns,” the chamber said.

The JCC also expressed its displeasure with the comments of Meadows, the PNP caretaker for Trelawny Northern, whose remarks “in support of scammers” were swiftly repudiated by the PNP Secretariat and he later personally apologised for his remarks.

“This is not an isolated incident but a continuation of a disturbing trend where crude and, in some cases, the perpetuation of illegal behaviour is displayed openly undermining good morals and decency, the constitution and the values we, as a nation, hold dear,” the PSOJ said in its comments on the statement by Meadows.

“The PSOJ has repeatedly called for an improvement in the conduct of our country’s leaders and for the leadership of the respective political parties to hold their members accountable. Yet despite these calls, the unacceptable pattern persists, eroding the public’s trust and respect in our political institutions and leaders,” the group said, while also condemning Warmington for his statement.

At the same time the PNP demanded that Prime Minister Andrew Holness “immediately oust offensive MP [Member of Parliament] Everald Warmington from the Cabinet. Warmington’s recent threat to withhold State funds from PNP councillors is a new low in his history of gutter politics and tribalism”.

Warmington, meanwhile, in a statement Wednesday night, said, “To the extent that my comments, which were made in the heat of the moment and perhaps could have been more clearly stated, have been misinterpreted as endorsing victimisation, I unequivocally reject any such sentiment.

“I recognise that I am Member of Parliament for all my constituents and as minister represents the entire Jamaica. I appreciate this opportunity to clarify my position and remain committed to serving my constituents.

“I, therefore, unequivocally withdraw the statement and apologise to the people of Jamaica.”

Also, general secretary of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Dr Horace Chang, in a statement, said the party condemns Warmington’s statements and distances itself from the suggestion of political victimisation within constituencies.

“At the core of our organisation we espouse the principles of equal rights and justice and any suggestion that the democratically elected councillor will be victimised must be rebuffed.

“Mr Warmington’s comments are reprehensible and does not represent the views of the Jamaica Labour Party or its leadership” said the JLP.