PNP caretaker Dennis Meadows apologises for endorsing lottery scamming

People's National Party (PNP) caretaker for Trelawny Northern, Dennis Meadows, has withdrawn comments he made endorsing lottery scamming.

While speaking on the campaign trail recently, Meadows stated that "I have no problem with a man if him want chop, because they chop us during slavery."

He added that the "only problem with chopping is when yuh bingo and yuh score, use the money wisely." 

However, following public backlash, Meadows issued a statement on Wednesday afternoon saying that the comments "do not reflect my true stance on criminal activities, particularly lottery scamming". 

"I unequivocally withdraw those remarks and want to make it clear that I condemn any form of fraud and criminal behaviour generally," he said, adding that "It was a thoughtless and unwise response to the deluge of money that was being corruptly spent in the Trelawny campaign by our opponents."

"I sincerely apologise to the Jamaican people, Comrade Leader Mark Golding, the PNP leadership, and our supporters in North Trelawny for the offence caused by my inappropriate comments," he said.

Meanwhile, the PNP has expressed "sharp disapproval" of Meadows' comments.

"The party does not condone nor support any endorsement or tolerance of criminal activities, including lottery scams or any form of fraud," it said in a media release.

The PNP said the "unfortunate comments do not align with the principles and values of the PNP" and that the party distances itself from any suggestion that it would tolerate or endorse illegal activities.

However, it did not say whether any disciplinary action would be taken against Meadows, only pointing to his apology.

"The General Secretary expresses disappointment in Mr Meadows' remarks, however, he notes today's public withdrawal of the comments and Meadows' full-throated apology for same that has now been publicly issued," it said.

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