KINGSTON, Jamaica — Everald Warmington, the Member of Parliament (MP) for St Catherine South West, has come to the defence of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) following its decision to reinstate MP George Wright ahead of the impending General Elections and launched yet another attack on the media.

On Sunday, February 16, the JLP announced that Wright had been re-admitted to the party after its membership committee reviewed his application, considering the circumstances which led to his independent status, along with the mitigating actions he has since taken.

Wright has faced significant controversy since April 2021 when a video surfaced showing a man repeatedly hitting a woman with a stool. The couple was said to be Wright and his then common-law companion. Both Wright and the woman were interviewed separately by the police in the presence of their attorneys but neither were interested in pursuing the matter further. Wright and his partner have since been wed.

READ: George Wright re-admitted to JLP following ‘mitigating actions’, says party

His readmission has since drawn public criticism, with the People’s National Party (PNP) condemning it as “low, desperate, and disgusting”.

However, at a press conference on Sunday, Warmington defended the move and singled out the RJR Gleaner Communications Group for what he perceived as politically motivated coverage.

“You see what I say most times not popular but it has to be said. They attack George Wright under The Gleaner, that is the mouthpiece for PNP,” Warmington said, calling for the media to focus instead on the “redemption of George Wright”.

Warmington further reiterated his stance that the RJR Gleaner Communications Group has an agenda to tarnish the reputation of Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

“The Gleaner is the mouthpiece to the PNP. The only task, the aim of the Gleaner and RJR is to destroy Andrew Holness but unfortunately for them, Jamaica nuh follow them and believe in them. Jamaica believe in Andrew Holness, will defend Andrew Holness,” Warmington said.