Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer THE STRONG political stature of Ronnie Thwaites, former People's National Party (PNP) Central Kingston Member of Parliament (MP), Region Three, has
reportedly caused some split in support for the incumbent Victor Cummings, The Sunday Gleaner understands.
The matter has drawn sharp concerns from the sitting MP who last month wrote a formal complaint to Mr. Thwaites and copied the letter to the
constituency executive. It is understood that an oral complaint was lodged to Region Three's executive.
With three years to go before a general election is constitutionally due, it is understood that Mr. Cummings is coming under increased pressure to vacate the seat, as some prominent
constituents did not think he was doing a good job.
Reports also reaching The Gleaner are that the incumbent has written to Mr. Thwaites about the matter with a view to meeting with him. However, sources said the former Central Kingston MP has constantly avoided the meetings.
BEHIND HIS BACK
In his letter to the Central Kingston executive and Mr. Thwaites, Mr. Cummings
complained that following Hurricane Ivan's passage, food was reportedly distributed in his constituency behind his back, causing pressure from some
constituents.
His letter also noted that the former MP's activities were by-passing the established political structure, and ultimately sought to undermine him.
Speaking with The Sunday Gleaner on Friday, Mr. Thwaites denied he was drumming up support to oust Mr. Cummings.
"There's no thought of any sort because it would be premature," he said. He did not deny however that he maintained a visible presence in the Central Kingston constituency.
"I've always been in the
constituency, I've never left," said Mr. Thwaites, who was recently elected vice-chairman of the PNP Region Three.
But contacted on Friday, Mr. Cummings told The Sunday Gleaner he was coming under constant pressure to give money to persons within Central Kingston.
"There are some people who believe I should give them money, and I have refused," he said, adding he has since requested a meeting with the residents in question, to get a clearer understanding of their problem with his political representation.
SURPRISED AT
THEIR BEHAVIOUR
"I am surprised at their behaviour because I feel I have done so much based on the limited resources I have," Mr. Cummings said.
The Central Kingston MP, who served as a councillor in the Allman Town division in the constituency, when Mr. Thwaites was MP between 1997 and 2002, said he has spoken with Mr. Thwaites, who he says has claimed he no longer had any interest in the constituency.
It is reported that the pressure on the Central Kingston MP to dole out money increased since last Sunday, when his brother Donald 'Zekes' Phipps was held with more than $9 million in cash at Matthew's Lane, downtown Kingston.
"My brother's money is not my money, I don't know where he got his money from," Mr. Cummings stated.
Mr. Thwaites resigned as Central Kingston MP in 2002 following a number of allegations of impropriety in various business dealings.
