Newsmaker of the Week: Lawrence Rowe’s explosive ‘innings’ rocks PNP

This week's featured development as Newsmaker of the Week just ended is the dramatic turn of events relative to the bombshell claim from the former People's National Party (PNP) caretaker for Central Kingston, Lawrence Rowe, that party officials offered him several incentives, including a whopping $15 million, to withdraw his candidacy.

The damning claim, which was initially staunchly denied by the PNP, has sparked a heated debate about corruption, governance, as well as the integrity of the country’s political system.

In one of the latest developments in the matter, the 36-year-old Rowe told reporters on Thursday that he has resigned from the Opposition PNP.

Then on Friday, PNP General Secretary, Dr Dayton Campbell, confirmed on a radio talk show that some "discussions" were, in fact, held with Rowe regarding the "possibility" of him being appointed to the Senate and a state board under a future PNP Government, but Campbell said no financial offer was made to the now ousted candidate.

This is while Rowe has stated that he had both written and audio evidence about his overall allegations.

The controversy has consequently raised questions about the party's internal dynamics and its commitment to transparency and accountability.

Last weekend, the Opposition party confirmed Rowe’s withdrawal as a candidate for Central Kingston, citing the need for strong and effective representation in the constituency.

The PNP has since appointed retired Senior Superintendent of Police Steve McGregor as the candidate.

But on Monday, Rowe fired back with a post on Facebook providing what he termed as a chronology of events relative to the matter.

According to Rowe, he was contacted by Campbell on December 30, 2024 with an offer to become the Deputy Education Shadow Minister, along with a $15 million offer.

Dr Dayton Campbell

Rowe said he declined the offer, instead counter proposing a Senate position, appointment to a housing agency board, and the $15 million.

The general secretary reportedly agreed to discuss the counter proposal with PNP President Mark Golding, who is said to have subsequently agreed to the terms, according to Rowe.

However, the former PNP Central Kingston candidate said he did not submit the withdrawal letter that was demanded by the party.

It appears that the negotiations broke down from that point, leading to the party formally pulling the plug on Rowe's candidacy.

The ousted candidate then took to the airwaves on a popular radio talk show, claiming that he had audio and written evidence to back his claims regarding the offers.

This led to several public commentators and at least one local media house referencing the matter as "the PNP hush-money scandal".

In response, the PNP issued a brief statement in which it dismissed Rowe's claims as being "spurious".

Added the political party: "While such claims may spark political intrigue for some, they contradict the party's longstanding policies and practices."

At a PNP meeting to present McGregor as the new candidate for Central Kingston on Wednesday evening, Golding maintained that the party feels strongly that the retired policeman is the right man to retake the seat from the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

He also denied the claims that were made by the previous candidate, which have dominated national discussions.

"A whole heap a little things have been said in the last few days. Bwoy, mi nuh know how much lie can tell on radio and TV, and wherever, social media.

Opposition Leader and People's National Party (NPN) President, Mark Golding (file photo)

"The party took a decision in accordance with the rules of the party, in the best interest of the people of Central Kingston, because we have to win the seat, and we wah unite around a quality candidate who can deliver the victory, and we found Steve McGregor and he's willing to serve and he came on board," Golding stated.

The PNP president said McGregor's selection marked a new day for Central Kingston because "all a di likkle shenanigans and tings weh gwaan before, that cut out now.

"A real man is here to serve the people and to deliver for the people," he declared then.

Steve McGregor back in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).  

But two days after Golding's speech and the PNP's initial denial of Rowe's claims, Campbell admitted to Emily Shield's on the Hotline talk show on Friday, that some discussions were held with Rowe.

When asked by Shields if the PNP’s leadership had discussed a proposal for a Senate and a board appointment for Rowe, Campbell responded with a simple, "yes".

However, he said Rowe was explicitly told that, "there is no possibility for financial compensation" in order to leave the seat.

Campbell also said no specific mention was made about appointment to a housing agency board, as Rowe had claimed.

Campbell said he discussed potential employment opportunities with Rowe in a future PNP Administration, highlighting that competent individuals can be employed in various capacities.

Nonetheless, Campbell categorically denied the claim of a $15 million offer, stating, "but to say that there is an offer of $15 million, whether in cash or resources, no."

The PNP general secretary did state, however, that Rowe mentioned in a conversation that he had spent $15 million in resources on his candidacy and was seeking compensation.

But Campbell argued that that would not be feasible, as there was no precedence of compensating candidates for personal resources spent in the lead-up to national polls.

Campbell also defended the discussions surrounding Rowe's possible Senate appointment, arguing that there was nothing improper about considering Rowe's capacity to serve in that capacity.

As Campbell put it, "To say we have discussed it; and this is a possibility because this person does have the capacity to serve there; I can't fathom how that can be something untoward."

Prior to that response from Campbell, the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) labelled the PNP's response to the bombshell claims as being "unacceptable" and "an insult to the Jamaican people".

The JLP’s communication spokesman, Marlon Morgan, argued that the PNP hierarchy should come clean on the allegations without further delay.

"The response from the PNP to the Lawrence Rowe/PNP hush money scandal is unacceptable, smacks of arrogance, and quite frankly, is an insult to the intelligence of the people of Jamaica.

Marlon Morgan

"For the PNP, which is now clearly desperate for political power, to take such a dismissive approach to very serious issues of corruption and bad governance practices, it shows their contempt for the people of this country," Morgan suggested on Wednesday in a news release.

That position from the JLP was, no doubt, significantly premised on a part of the very concise PNP initial response to Rowe’s claims, which stated that the party (PNP) would fully address the matter at its convenience.

The controversy has also sparked calls for anti-bribery legislation in Jamaica, which was led by the National Integrity Action (NIA). It urged anyone with information regarding the claims from Rowe to share it with the Integrity Commission (IC).

NIA said such assertions affect public trust in the political system and underscore the need for robust anti-corruption measures to ensure transparency and integrity in Jamaica's political system.

"National Integrity Action believes that such allegations (claims) affect public trust in the political system. Allegations (claims) of bribery and corruption erode this trust, making it imperative to implement and enforce anti-bribery laws.

"Ensuring appointments are based on merit, rather than political loyalty, will help restore confidence in public institutions and promote good governance," the NIA further said.

As the debate continues, social media users are also weighing into the matter, with some criticising PNP officials for not being forthright on the matter.

Others have defended the stance of the party, arguing that nothing was wrong with making any offer to Rowe amid his departure from the constituency because he spent resources in the seat.

"No distractions for PNP no matter what these haters are saying. Rowe spent his money during his time as caretaker (and) now that the party is replacing him, it is fair enough to compensate him," a woman shared on Facebook.

"Since when in Jamaica's political landscape a political party's internal affairs (should) become the headache of its opponent(s)?  This is desperation by ... (the JLP) and compromised mainstream media," a man opined.

"The naked truth (is) PNP used people. Young man (Rowe), you did the right thing... One Brogad (Andrew Holness) is here; him have 49 seats, and come the General Elections, him going to get couple (more) from Mark Golding," a woman wrote.

Added a man: "Lawrence Rowe must speak his truth and cost it what it may. The PNP must stop use people."

On X (formerly Twitter), a man wrote that, "If Lawrence Rowe’s claims are proven true, @MarkJGolding must resign and take full responsibility for these actions. This means openly admitting any wrongdoing, issuing a sincere apology to the Jamaican people, and fully cooperating with any investigations.

"This is a serious and shameful disgrace to the Opposition, further tarnishing what little credibility and reputation it has left. Immediate and decisive action is needed to address this shameful disgrace," he suggested.

Said former PNP councillor-turned-JLP member, Venesha Phillips: "Bad start Steve McGregor!!! He just said thanks to Lawrence Rowe for holding the seat for him until he was ready.

"He (McGregor) suggested it was a relay. So they all planned to use the young man without his knowledge and consent!" she purported.

But a male PNP supporter had no sympathy for Rowe.

"Mr Lawrence Rowe, there is fundamental difference between belonging to an organisation and believe in the principles and objectives of the organisation. Genuine comrade don’t try to blackmail the leadership of the party," he argued.

A woman on X stated: "Rowe, you betrayed the PNP and we can't ever forgive you, so join the JLP and done mi bwoy, because your actions suggest you are a labourite at heart."