Dalrymple-Philibert hailed as exemplary MP
Published:Friday | September 22, 2023 | 12:09 AM
POLITICAL representatives in Trelawny Southern have reacted with surprise at the resignation of Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, saying she has been one of the best members of parliament (MPs) to serve the constituency.
The four-term MP resigned with immediate effect on Thursday, when she also stepped down as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Her departure comes two days after an Integrity Commission report was tabled in Parliament, revealing that she is facing eight charges for making a false statement in her statutory declarations.
The charges concern a $6-million Mercedes-Benz motor vehicle that was omitted from her declarations from 2015 to 2021.
Dalrymple-Philibert has maintained that she has nothing to hide and that this was “a genuine oversight”.
Responding to her resignation, Dennis Meadows, the People’s National Party’s standard-bearer in Trelawny Northern, praised her work in Trelawny Southern.
“The quality representation she has given South Trelawny has to be respected. She has been a strong advocate for improved roads in South Trelawny. She is friendly and always has a listening ear for her constituents,” Meadows, a former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) senator and Trelawny Northern caretaker, told The Gleaner.
Falmouth Mayor Collen Gager hailed Dalrymple-Philibert as “a good member of parliament, one of the best” in an interview on Radio Jamaica’s ‘Beyond The Headlines’ on Thursday.
“If you look at what she has done with education, ... she turned that around,” he added, pointing to the establishment of training centres and the modernisation of schools in the constituency.
“She was a no-nonsense person; she believed in performance,” continued Gager, the JLP councillor for the Warsop Division in Trelawny Southern. She meant well for Southern Trelawny. Trelawny wants her. South Trelawny wants her.”
Nicole Nugent, the JLP councillor for the Albert Town Division, chose not to comment when contacted by The Gleaner.
“I have been on the road all day. The news of her resignations have not been fully told to me. I will await added information before making a comment,” Nugent said.
Trelawny businessman Ken Grant also saluted the former MP, who has been the parliamentary representative for Trelawny Southern since 2007.
“It is a very sad occasion for me,” Grant told The Gleaner. “She is a hard worker and has been my friend years before she went into politics.
“Her work in the constituency is legendary. All throughout this constituency, her work stands out, especially on roads,” observed Grant.
ROBBERY AT OFFICE
Also on Thursday, a worker at the Falmouth law office of attorney-at-law Dalrymple-Philibert was allegedly robbed by a gunman.
He reportedly made off with cash, jewellery and an electronic device. The woman was not harmed and no shots were fired.
The police are probing the matter.