PNP disciplinary committee to investigate NEC fracas

The People’s National Party (PNP) has asked its disciplinary committee to investigate the fracas that unfolded during last month’s meeting of its National Executive Council.

PNP chairman Fitz Jackson acknowledged reports that “some very unfortunate remarks and gesticulations” were made during the incident at the Jamaica Conference Centre, but said it is up to the disciplinary committee to determine culpability.

According to reports, the dispute involved Papine Division Councillor Venesha Phillips and a delegate from the National Workers’ Union.

Jackson said the committee, chaired by attorney-at-law Linton Walters, will take the necessary steps to interview the persons who were involved in the dispute and gather other evidence before making a recommendation to the party.

"There were remarks made, which, if they are true based on the reports we are getting, then disciplinary action must come to bear on the party or parties responsible for those remarks,” Jackson said.

“It might involve one or the other or both. From the investigation we will get the facts and then the action will follow where the facts lead,” he said.

Phillips had been pushing for the PNP presidential and vice-presidential elections to take place at the same time, arguing that two separate rounds of political activity could further divide the party.

However, Gleaner sources inside the meeting said Phillips was prevented from making the point and was attempting to leave when the NWU delegate made abusive utterances at her.

Phillips reportedly turned in rage to respond but was restrained by PNP vice-president Mikael Phillips and others.

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