KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has rejected the People’s National Party’s (PNP) concerns over Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert’s expected candidacy in the upcoming by-election in Trelawny South, stating that it is “another clear act of brazen and barefaced hypocrisy” being depicted by Opposition.

READ: PNP accuses JLP of contempt over reinstatement of Dalrymple-Philibert as caretaker

JLP Deputy General Secretary Charles Sinclair said in a statement on Thursday, that the party believes in the presumption of innocence which is a fundamental pillar of Jamaica’s legal system.

He added that the JLP is careful about its selection of candidates, in particular those who may have matters which are subjudice.

Dalrymple Philibert had resigned as Member of Parliament for Trelawny Southern after the Integrity Commission’s director of corruption prosecution ruled that she be charged in connection with allegations that she made a false statement in her statutory declarations filed over the period 2015 to 2017 and 2018-2020. That matter remains before the courts.

Despite this, JLP supporters in the constituency has made it clear that they want Dalrymple Philibert to return to the seat, which she vacated over a year ago.

READ: JLP supporters again call for Mama D’s return

“The extenuating circumstance of Mrs Dalrymple-Philibert, indicating that she genuinely forgot to include in her declarations a vehicle which she did not use regularly, along with the overwhelming demand in the constituency for her to return, were taken into consideration in the decision to select her as the party’s candidate,” Sinclair said.

The deputy general secretary called the PNP hypocrites for their expression of concern over Dalrymple-Philibert’s impending candidacy, while highlighting members of the Opposition who have been accused, and in some cases convicted of serious crimes.

“The statement is another clear act of hypocrisy by the PNP and its leaders… for the PNP has amongst its ranks as potential candidates Ian Hayles, who has been recommended by an anti-corruption agency for criminal investigation; Mikael Phillips, who is to be charged for breaching of the Integrity Commission Act; Dwayne Vaz, who was charged and convicted for breaching the Integrity Commission Act; Philip Paulwell, Member of Parliament, who was convicted for breaches of the Firearms Act; and worst of all, Isat Buchanan, who has two convictions against him for narcotics trafficking, trafficking in cocaine,” Sinclair outlined.

He added: “History also reminds us that Councillor Troupe, who was serving as deputy mayor, and former Councillor Sylvan Reid were arrested and charged for illegal possession of firearms and breach of the Scamming Law, respectively, but were allowed to continue to serve in their respective capacities under the principle of innocent until proven guilty.”

Sinclair insists that the same principle should be applied to Dalrymple-Philbert, as she had admitted that her infraction was caused due to a “genuine oversight on her part”.

“It is clear the statement by the PNP is another attempt to deflect and to hoodwink the Jamaican populace and must be rejected as baseless and hypocritical,” Sinclair urged.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Wednesday announced a by-election for Trelawny Southern, and St Andrew North Western, sending voters to the polls on November 22. With the PNP already signalling that it will not contest any parliamentary election at this time, it is expected that Dalrymple Philibert will face little opposition in returning to the House of Representatives.