Lawrence Rowe, the withdrawn Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) candidate for Central Kingston, has made stunning allegations against the party, including an offer by party officials to remove himself from the seat for a whopping $15 million.
The damning allegations posted by Rowe in a Facebook post on Saturday has raised questions about the party’s internal dynamics.
According to Rowe’s detailed chronology of events, he was contacted by the General Secretary of the PNP, Dr Dayton Campbell, on December 30, 2024, with an offer to become the Deputy Education Shadow Minister, along with a $15 million payout.
Rowe declined the offer, instead counter-proposing a Senate position, appointment to a housing agency, and the $15 million. The general secretary reportedly agreed to discuss the proposal with the party leader.
Campbell later contacted Rowe to say PNP President Mark Golding had agreed to those terms. However, Rowe did not submit the withdrawal letter which was being demanded.
The party has since confirmed Rowe’s withdrawal as a candidate, citing the need for strong and effective representation in Central Kingston.
Below is the full Facebook post by Rowe.
Chronology of Events
December 6, 2024
The constituency was assessed by Comrade Julian Robinson and received a passing grade.
December 20, 2024
The General Secretary of the PNP contacted me via WhatsApp, requesting a list of detractors within the constituency. I provided the requested list.
December 22, 2024
I wrote to the General Secretary to express concerns about the sincerity of the KSAMC’s commitment to winning the seat. I also inquired whether resources were being deliberately withheld to frustrate my efforts. The General Secretary refuted these allegations.
December 24, 2024
I inquired via letter if there was a meeting scheduled by the party’s headquarters for 11:00 AM that day. The General Secretary responded, stating that the meeting would be held at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition at 11:30 AM. This meeting was presumably with key detractors, including the Party President, Peter Bunting, Angela Brown-Burke, and Dayton Campbell.
December 25, 2024
Christine Bell, a member of the General Secretary’s staff, informed me of a meeting with the PNP’s National Campaign Committee scheduled for December 27, 2024, at the party’s headquarters.
December 27, 2024
I attended the meeting, which included Angela Brown-Burke, Wensworth Skeffrey, and myself. During this meeting, I was informed that the National Campaign Committee had collectively decided to remove me as the candidate for the General Elections.
December 28, 2024
In response, I tendered my resignation from the Deputy Shadow Cabinet.
December 30, 2024
I met with the General Secretary, who attempted to negotiate my transition. He offered me the role of Deputy Education Shadow Minister and $15 million. I declined and counter-proposed an appointment to a housing agency, a Senate position, and the $15 million. He promised to discuss this proposal with the Party Leader. I informed him that I would present the matter to my constituency executive at their scheduled meeting that evening. However, the meeting was later postponed to January 2, 2025.
December 30, 2024 (Later)
The General Secretary called to inform me that the Party Leader had committed to the following:
One of the 13 Senate appointments,
Board membership at a housing agency,
$15 million in resources.
He also explained that the party was experiencing a cash flow crisis. He requested a withdrawal letter, but I informed him that I would first report to my executive on January 2, 2025.
December 31, 2024
The General Secretary again unsuccessfully requested a withdrawal letter.
December 31, 2024 (Later)
I formally requested a meeting with the Party President.
January 4, 2025
A meeting was held with the Party President, Dayton Campbell, and Peter Bunting to discuss the matter. He agreed to a reconsideration.
January 8, 2025
The General Secretary and Party Chairman convened a meeting with the constituency executive, informing us of the party’s decision to remove me as a candidate. During the meeting, I reminded the General Secretary that veto powers are vested in the Party Leader and that I was awaiting his decision following further soundings.
January 10, 2025
The Party President officially informed me of his decision to withdraw my candidacy.
January 11, 2025
The General Secretary issued a public release, confirming my removal as a candidate.
