By Kisean Joseph
A UPP MP has denied accusations made by Prime Minister Gaston Browne that he called for police to kill gang members.
Algernon Watts has demanded proof of Browne’s claims – and announced his intention to pursue legal action for defamation.
The MP for St George was backed by the opposition party’s leader Jamale Pringle who said, “We categorically deny any statements made by our MPs or party officers suggesting that gang members or any individuals should be killed by the police and put ‘underground’. These are baseless accusations, and we demand the Prime Minister present proof or retract his statements immediately.”
The UPP took issue with what they term “untruthful and irresponsible remarks” attributed to MP Watts. The party also pledged full support to Watts in any legal action he may pursue to clear his name.
The party described the Prime Minister’s comments on radio last Saturday as blatantly false and inflammatory.
“It was Prime Minister Browne himself who declared that attacks on the police would be met with retaliation, and that law-breaking non-nationals should be sent home as ‘cargo’,” Pringle noted.
“His attempt to now accuse the UPP is not merely reverse psychology; it’s a transparent effort to make our people targets.”
The UPP leadership has called on Police Commissioner Atlee Rodney and other officials to recognise what they view as dangerous rhetoric from the Prime Minister. They argue that Browne’s statements could potentially incite young, impressionable individuals to target UPP representatives.
“This is not a matter we’re taking lightly,” Pringle emphasised. “We’re calling on all responsible authorities to address this dangerous course of action by the Prime Minister.”
