The People’s National Party (PNP) has removed Dennis Meadows as the provisional candidate for North Trelawny, after a viral video emerged of him endorsing illegal scamming at a recent meeting.

Opposion Leader Mark Golding announced the decision today (February 29) in a statement.

Speaking at a PNP rally, Meadows effectively endorsed lottery scamming when he said, “Let me tell you straight up – I have no problem with a man if him want ‘chop’ (a colloquial expression for scamming). Because them ‘chop’ us during slavery, so nothing wrong if we ‘chop’ them back!

The remark has since been faced with strict criticism from many Jamaicans online and Meadows has since withdrawn the remarks.

Responding to widespread backlash and demands for action, Golding said: “Cde Meadows’ continuation as the candidate is untenable in light of his egregious remarks on the platform, given that scamming is one of Jamaica‘s most serious national security challenges.”

Let this precedent be a warning to all who serve in the PNP under my leadership. We are demanding higher standards of accountability. Jamaica will no longer tolerate weak, unprincipled leaders who say one thing but do another. Jamaicans deserve better, and I will give it to them.”

“We extend our gratitude to Mr. Meadows for his contributions during his time as the PNP’s provisional candidate, and wish him the best in his future endeavours.”