The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) has called for the resignation of Chairman of Jamaica Trade and Invest (JTI), Gassan Azan, in the wake of revelations that his company, MegaMart, was the subject of investigations after electricity bypass equipment, which interrupts the recording of the consumption of electricity supplied by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS), was reportedly found at two of his stores.

It was reported in The Sunday Gleaner that MegaMart Wholesale Club had suspended an employee, after a JPS probe uncovered an "artificial interruption of electricity" supply to MegaMart stores in Kingston and Portmore.

On December 4, the JPS disconnected power to both stores, following the discovery of a device that interrupted the recording of the consumption of electricity.

Position in jeopardy

In a release yesterday, the PNP said Mr. Azan should resign because his position as chairman of Jamaica Trade and Invest had been seriously affected by the disclosure.

"It would not be appropriate for us to comment on the credulity of Mr. Azan's explanation. However, JTI is the Government's investment promotion agency, and we believe that Mr. Azan's ability to continue as chairman of that agency has been seriously compromised by this disclosure," said the PNP release.

"With this issue hanging over him, it is going to be exceedingly difficult for the leader of JTI to pitch Jamaica successfully to potential investors as a great investment opportunity, given that his own company has been caught depriving one of the largest foreign-owned firms in Jamaica of their rightful revenue," the release added.