KINGSTON, Jamaica—Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie has pushed back against allegations that funds are being withheld from councillors to pay for works in their division.

McKenzie, who addressed the claims at an indigent house handover in Gayle, St Mary, on October 16, described the allegations as ‘a lie from the pit of hell’ and said he would not be bullied by anyone who wants to create mischief.’

“I listened to a radio station yesterday and heard of a meeting in the St Catherine Municipal Cooperation where the councillors are raising concerns about lack of funding to fund or to pay for works that have been given out in their respective divisions, and they can’t get the allocations.

My disappointment out of that meeting was the response of the deputy mayor of Spanish Town, who, in responding to the councillor’s concern, made a remark that they are not getting any money from the Ministry of Local Government. I want to say this morning, it is a lie from the pit of hell,” McKenzie said.

The Local Government Minister outlined that there are three elements of funding that local authorities get from the central government. They include the parochial revenue fund (PRF), which is funded by motor vehicle licences, trade licences and property taxes.

“I’m not going to be bullied by anybody who wants to create mischief. Look at the state of your administration of your municipality first before you start to pass remarks and make statements which you cannot substantiate,” McKenzie said.