PNP BLAST SUSPENSION OF MICHAEL TROUPE

Suspension of Councillor Troupe breach due process and natural justice

Kingston, Jamaica, February 9, 2018: The People's National Party can confirm that the St. James Municipal Corporation, yesterday, February 8, 2018, voted along strict political lines to suspend councillor for the Granville division, Mr. Michael Troupe, for three (3) months.

The Party takes serious issue with this ‘kangaroo court’ approach, which was not in strict adherence to due process and natural justice. Yesterday's vote was highly irregular, and does not appear to have met the most basic of requirements.

While Councillor Troupe was aware of the resolution which was tabled on January 11, 2018, neither he nor the other PNP councillors were presented with the particulars of the allegations until during the debate yesterday. This clearly breached several rules, as he would not have afforded him the opportunity to put forward a proper defense. At a minimum, charging and sentencing an individual, in these circumstances, is a breach of due process and the principles of natural justice; and is tantamount to an abuse of power driven by crass partisan political motives.

The Party is currently in consultation to formulate an approach to this latest development.