Rosemary Shaw is a competent candidate

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I am writing in response to a May 16 letter, ‘Rose Shaw, Hubert Williams should be withdrawn as PNP candidates’, written by Timothy Carnegie.

I am one of the vice-chairmen of the St Thomas Eastern PNP constituency and I wish to make it categorically clear that a diligent search of our records, as well as the voters list, ha revealed that Eastern St Thomas has no member or supporter by the name of Timothy Carnegie. It is clear, therefore, that this letter was not written by a member or supporter of the People’s National Party (PNP), but is quite obviously the work of someone who is bent on smearing the character of Ms Shaw.

I find it particularly interesting that Mr Carnegie, in his letter, made no mention of what was said by Ms Shaw or Councillor Williams that was so egregious that it angered him to the point where he felt obliged to report it in media, and to ask for their withdrawal as political appointees.

I was the organiser and an attendee at the function referred to in this letter, and I am very surprised that anyone would make such remarks about an event that we had hoped would honour the life of a man who we have come to known as an ardent peacemaker. Despite his illness, Councillor Rohan (Washy) Bryan stuck to the task until his untimely passing. He showed unwavering and equal respect to everyone in his division; we honour Comrade Washy in life and in death.

Mr Carnegie is replete with innuendoes and is a study in malicious intent. He was careful not to mention the fact that although members of the JLP stormed the stage uninvited, brandishing party symbols and clad in party colours, our gracious Rose Shaw gave the microphone to Member of Parliament Michelle Charles so she could express her condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. Let me state here, also, that I heard nothing that could be rated as offensive, derogative or in way unpleasant from neither Ms Shaw nor councillor Williams during their respective presentation at the function.

I worked as a building officer at the St Thomas Parish Council during Ms Shaw’s tenure as councillor; she was adept at taking care of the needs of her constituents. Certainly, I have no recollection whatsoever of her causing the removal of PNP councillors. The members and supporters of The St Thomas Eastern PNP constituency wholeheartedly and unconditionally support the candidacy of Comrade Rosemarie Shaw. She has been a beacon of light and much more than a holder of hope to her constituents. She has been working assiduously in trying to uplift the standard of life here, and we are sure she will become a respectable, functional and impartial member of parliament.

RUPERT ANDERSON