WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Central Dwayne Vaz is denying any wrongdoing after being charged by police over an alleged altercation in Westmoreland on Sunday.

Police indicated that both Vaz and his driver were charged in connection with an assault that occurred at the New Market Oval in Savanna-la-Mar in the parish.

Reports from the Savanna-la-Mar police are that between 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm, an altercation developed among patrons at a sporting event being held at the venue. During the dispute, a 52-year-old man was allegedly physically assaulted and sustained injuries.

The accused were named as 48-year-old chauffeur, Michael Merritt and Vaz. Both men were arrested and charged on Wednesday with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

However, in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, Vaz said he had been trying to separate his driver from the complainant when the incident occurred.

“I categorically state that I did not assault anyone,” the MP said, adding “during the event, I became aware of a commotion and observed two men on the ground in what appeared to be a fight. One of the men was my driver and the other the complainant.”

Vaz said he and other individuals present intervened and successfully separated the men before the complainant, whom he knows, left the location on a bicycle.

“I categorically state that I was not involved in any assault and that I am innocent of all charges laid against me. I have made myself fully available to assist the police with their investigations,” Vaz said.

Both men were granted $80,000 bail and are scheduled to appear before the court on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.