KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is denying aspects of a joint statement put out by its four vice presidents, who this morning resigned from their positions.
In a news release sent to the media this afternoon, the party acknowledged receipt of the resignation letters submitted by Damion Crawford, Phillip Paulwell, Wykeham McNeil, and Mikael Phillips, but said that allegations were made in their statement “which are not accurate”.
The party said, however, that the matter will be dealt with in the appropriate party forum.
“Discussions with respect to the four vice-presidential candidates were attempted, but unfortunately these did not lead to consensus. It seems that the response of these four officers was to resign en bloc. While I am saddened by this action, their resignations are accepted. Nevertheless, I remain willing to work with these senior Comrades in the best interests of the party,” Golding said in the release.
“I also reaffirm my commitment to building unity in the party, acknowledging that we all have important roles to play in achieving this. Jamaica needs the PNP more than ever, as hardships and insecurity stalk this land under the JLP (Jamaica Labour Party) Government. I will continue to stride forth with all willing Comrades as we build back our party. [We are] ready to deliver [a] competent, caring and honest government for our beloved Jamaica whenever we are called upon by the Jamaican people,” he added.
Meanwhile, the statement from the four vice presidents said that they engaged the wider leadership of the party in good faith negotiation to avoid a further widening of the internal rift but that talks fell through.
“The discussion within the party continued for more than three weeks, with some officers volunteering to step aside for the sake of unity.
However, we concluded that the sincerity of certain members of the leadership was not forthcoming and that the minimalist effort towards unity was a charade that is inimical to a genuine pursuit of unity,” the statement said.
