FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Dennis Meadows, who was stripped of his role as the People’s National Party (PNP) standard-bearer for Trelawny Northern because of campaign trail comments endorsing scamming, says he was treated unfairly. However, he conceded that he has to take responsibility for his actions.

Meadows also told the Jamaica Observer that he intends to remain in politics and a member of the PNP.

“It is not an easy pill to swallow. I still think that I was done a disservice but one has to account for their actions, whether wittingly or unwittingly,” he said.

He made it clear that he does not intend to slink away to lick his wounds.

“I understand the consequences of my actions, though unwitting; but I will remain in politics and in the People’s National Party. I am a lover of people. I am always on the side of the people in terms of championing their cause, one way or the other. I love politics, I have come to appreciate the People’s National Party,” Meadows told the Observer.

“Who knows what the card holds? At my core I am a people person. I have a passion for it. And who knows what life holds? This is just one of many stumbling blocks and setbacks in life. Sometimes it might appear final but down the road there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.

In a release on Thursday, PNP President Mark Golding announced that Meadows had been booted from the role of caretaker candidate for Trelawny Northern. He said it was a response to Meadows’ “remarks on the platform, given that scamming is one of Jamaica’s most serious national security challenges”.

On Wednesday, a video surfaced of Meadows telling cheering Comrades that he has no issue with “choppas”, a term used to refer to individuals involved in scamming.

“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,” Meadows said. “My only problem with chopping is that when you bingo, and you score, use the money wisely.”

Golding made it clear that he found the comments “egregious”.

“Let this precedent be a warning to all who serve in the PNP under my leadership. We are demanding higher standards of accountability. Jamaica will no longer tolerate weak, unprincipled leaders who say one thing but do another. Jamaicans deserve better, and I will give it to them,” Golding’said.

“We extend our gratitude to Mr Meadows for his contributions during his time as the PNP’s provisional candidate, and wish him the best in his future endeavours,” Golding added.

For years, Meadows has attempted to win Trelawny Northern. As a member of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), he failed three times. He 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 later caretaker candidate.