KINGSTON, Jamaica – In the wake of a widely circulated video in which Dennis Meadows appeared to support scamming, the president of the People’s National Party (PNP), Mark Golding, has made the decision to remove Meadows as the party’s provisional candidate for North Trelawny.
Golding stressed that Meadows’ continued candidacy is “untenable in light of his serious remarks, particularly given that scamming poses a significant threat to Jamaica’s national security.”
Meadows had indicated his lack of objection to “choppas,” a term used in Jamaica to describe individuals involved in scamming activities.
“Let me be direct, I have no issue with a man who wants to ‘chop’ because they chopped us during slavery, so there is nothing wrong if we reciprocate,” he stated. “My only concern with ‘chopping’ is that when you succeed, use the money wisely,” Meadows expressed in the video.
Dennis Meadows, PNP’s provisional candidate for North Trelawny.
In removing Meadows, Golding emphasized that Jamaica cannot afford to tolerate unprincipled leaders.
“Let this action serve as a warning to all those serving in the PNP under my leadership. We demand higher standards of accountability. Jamaica will no longer accept weak, unprincipled leaders who preach one thing and practice another. Jamaicans deserve better, and I am committed to delivering it to them.”
Mark Golding, president of the People’s National Party (PNP).
Meadows tendered his resignation from the JLP in March 2022, citing a toxic relationship as the reason. Subsequently, he aligned himself with the PNP in October, promptly assuming key positions within the party hierarchy, including constituency chairman and caretaker candidate.
Despite his efforts, Meadows has faced three unsuccessful attempts to secure the constituency.
The police hierarchy ordered a probe following the mass shooting in Westmoreland.
The Police High Command has initiated a thorough investigation into the mass shooting that took place at a bar in Frome, Westmoreland on Wednesday morning. The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of three individuals and left four others injured.
The victims were targeted when armed individuals opened fire on patrons at a bar along Frome main road shortly after midnight. The deceased have been identified as Everol Rowe, a shop owner and broom maker from Frome, as well as Kemar Smith, also known as ‘Beenie Bud’, and Andre McDonald – both from Gully Banks, Savanna-la-Mar.
Among the wounded are two women, including the bartender. According to reports, the assailants arrived in a white Toyota Axio motorcar and proceeded to open fire on the patrons after alighting from the vehicle.
Seven people were shot during the incident, with Rowe, Smith, and McDonald tragically succumbing to their injuries. The remaining victims are currently receiving medical attention, with one individual in serious condition after sustaining gunshot wounds to the neck and abdomen.