Mixed reaction to resignation but support still strong for Montague

There were mixed views from residents in Western St Mary yesterday but embattled Member of Parliament (MP) Robert Montague still holds the majority support of constituents after resigning from the Andrew Holness-led Cabinet late Friday night following a damning Integrity Commission report tabled in Parliament last week concerning his role in the issuing of firearm licences to “persons of questionable character”.

Some residents blasted the MP for his alleged involvement in the gun licensing scandal while he was minister of national security that ultimately led to his resignation, but still acknowledged his contribution to the constituency.

When the Sunday Gleaner team visited the area yesterday, we were informed of heated arguments between Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and People’s National Party (PNP) supporters in Oracabessa, one of Montague’s strongholds, regarding his resignation.

Subsequently, a sign with the image of the MP was removed from a prominent position on a shop along the main street and thrown on to the roof of the building.

In Rio Nuevo, Senior, a taxi driver who plies the Rio Nuevo to Gayle route, said he would continue to support Montague as MP.

“I will still support him as the MP for the area but mi understand the whole system with the corruption thing with the government system so mi kind a understand why him step dung; but mi still gi him the support as the MP fi di area,” said Senior, adding that should Montague decide to step away from politics, his replacement as the JLP representative would have his support.

“If him decide him naw run back, we cyaa do much but as mi say, mi still gi him mi support.”

Bob, who disclosed that he is a PNP supporter, refrained from condemning the MP.

“It’s all about hearsay, not sure of the facts,” Bob said. “At the end of the day, if they find him any way guilty, a suh – because up until now he’s not proven guilty. He resigned, yes, but at the end of the day we still have to look at that, basically.”

He added, “Based on politics, I’m not on his side so I’d probably be biased if I should say (if I support him as MP) but I figure more or less some changes will have to be made.”

An elderly shopkeeper in Retreat, Erica Riley, said Montague should continue as MP.

“I think he could still continue being the MP because he has done very much around this area. I find no fault with him. Maybe he thinks it (resignation) is the best thing for him but he’s still our MP and I will support him,” Riley said.

Another resident who gave his name only as Stanley said Montague has done work in the constituency and deserves credit for that.

“Regardless, whether PNP or JLP, if a man inna di constituency do certain work, yuh haffi commend wha him do,” Stanley said.

‘FOOLISHNESS’

But an Oracabessa shopkeeper, who declined to give his name, chided Montague for the allegations against him.

“When me listen the news this morning mi say, how Bobby Montague fi resign? Fi wha? Listen the news again quarter to 12, say Bobby caught up inna gun licence business, him an’ the next one from PNP (Peter Bunting). Him mus’ resign tuh!” the shopkeeper argued.

“The licence ting nuh call fah. Him fi resign, yes. Ah fi him own good, an’ him family an’ him pickney dem. But him do foolishness! As a MP, him do foolishness; as councillor, him do foolishness; as minister of transport, him do foolishness same way tuh! Bobby, yuh do foolishness, fi a big man. A we dung yah him fi work wid, but instead him gone get himself mix up inna foolishness!”

Another resident, Terry, declined to comment on the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) controversy but offered her continued support for the MP.

“I don’t have a problem with Mr Montague, I will still support him as a MP,” she told The Sunday Gleaner, noting that he had done a good job “in some part” for the constituency.

Late last year while Montague was still minister of transport and mining and there were speculations that he might be relieved of his ministerial position, several residents in the constituency voiced their support for him and urged him to remain as MP.

Montague is also chairman of the JLP.

carl.gilchrist@gleanerjm.com