Dear Editor,

The Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC) is expressing its disappointment with the recorded remarks of Minister Everald Warmington in the aftermath of Monday’s local government elections.

In the remarks, which have spread across social media, Warmington claims that Dr Kurt Waul, the People’s National Party (PNP) candidate who has reportedly unseated the Jamaica Labour Party (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.

“…[N]o PNP councillor going to spend my money,” he is heard saying, further stating that Grant would continue to be “in charge”.

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.

Warmington’s remarks are particularly concerning in light of Prime Minister Holness’s statements in his late-night press conference in which he 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 JCC is also expressing its displeasure with the comments of Dennis Meadows, the PNP caretaker for Trelawny Northern whose remarks in support of scammers were swiftly repudiated by the PNP Secretariat. Meadows later personally apologised for his remarks.

Despite the apology from Meadows, the JCC urges the leadership of both political parties, especially as the general election approaches, to remind their representatives that words have consequences.

Jamaica Chamber of Commerce

info@jamaicachamber.org.jm

www.jamaicachamber.org.jm