Conspiracy of lies, says Robertson
Published:Monday | November 22, 2010 | 12:00 AM
Nadisha Hunter, Gleaner Writer
As Prime Minister Bruce Golding yesterday urged Jamaicans to hold off judgement on lurid allegations against Cabinet minister James Robertson, the latter made a grandstanding defence of his innocence to loyalists of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
Golding, who had remained mum on the melodrama since reports surfaced last week, sought to calm the storm.
"I trust that this matter will be thoroughly and speedily investigated because it is not fair to James to have this matter hanging over his head," Golding told the public session of the JLP's 67th annual conference.
But the prime minister warned that Robertson was aware of the consequences if there was any truth to the allegations, alluding that the party would turn its back on him.
Golding said he had relayed a letter, handed to him in Tivoli Gardens by a man on October 28, to the police three days later.
Spurning the advice of his attorneys not to comment publicly, Robertson, who presides over the country's energy and mining portfolio, dismissed claims cited in an affidavit that he was involved in a murder conspiracy.
'Target' turns defender
He brought to his defence a man who was named in a sworn statement as one he wanted killed.
Presenting Kayon 'Treasure' Campbell on the conference stage, Robertson rubbished the charges.
"Rumours dem spreading!" he declared, quoting from a song by the late reggae star Gregory Isaacs.
"It is madness to say that I have a contract for US$3 million-US$8 million to kill people. At Page 21, Line 25 of a so-called statement that (attorney-at-law) David Rowe took, a man says that I asked him to kill Treasure," said Robertson
Campbell said there was no truth to the claims.
"I have known Mr Robertson for more than 10 years and the allegation that he wants me killed is rubbish," he told The Gleaner.
Campbell was visibly angry as he denounced claims he had been paid to do damage control for the embattled minister and member of parliament for Western St Thomas.
"I have money too. I am a businessman and I don't need money from Mr Robertson," said Campbell, who had been described by Robertson as a registered contractor and university student.
Robertson, who is also a deputy leader of the JLP, said he was a constant target of a smear campaign.
"In my political career, they have told a lot of lies on me, but this is the wickedest lie of all," Robertson said, revealing that he was gutted by the impact of the controversy on his wife and two daughters.