Peter Blake cleared by PNP, awaits confirmation as candidate for East Rural St Andrew
Published:Sunday | November 1, 2015 | 12:00 AM
Having defeated Damion Crawford in the run-off to be the People's National Party (PNP) candidate for East Rural St Andrew, Peter Blake has cleared another hurdle of the selection process.
Blake told The Gleaner yesterday said that he had been informed that the party has no concerns about his integrity.
"I got a response from the general secretary and he has indicated that I have been cleared in regards to my integrity, my honesty, and my character," he said.
Blake's comments come days after PNP General Secretary Paul Burke indicated that the party had not yet decided on a candidate. Up to press time yesterday, the leadership of the constituency was meeting to decide whether Blake would be the standard-bearer.
While speaking with The Gleaner, Blake went on to address rumours about his character, which many believe may affect his chances for victory in the East Rural St Andrew seat.
"One of the rumours that have been going around for a few years is that I am this drug kingpin; another rumour is that I have been involved in dismembering persons abroad ... and that I have been in prison ... ," he scoffed.
Blake, dismissing the rumours, said he was being confused with another Peter Blake, who was reportedly arrested for involvement in the lottery scam.
"I am Niels Peter Blake. I am none of those persons (involved in criminal activity), and from now on, that is how I want to be referred to," he declared.
Stressing that he would not assume that he would be confirmed as the candidate, Blake said, "We are to have a meeting with the constituency leadership, and clearly that is the way forward."