The United Progressive Party will now hold its whistlestop on Sunday, November 16, after Acting Commissioner of Police (ACP) Everton Jeffers denied permission for the event originally planned for yesterday in the St John’s Rural East constituency.
The party said Jeffers denied the application without providing a reason. The event was intended to garner support for calls for an independent investigation into what the party describes as a scandal at the Ministry of Public Works, under the watch of Rural East parliamentary representative Maria Browne.
The UPP submitted its whistlestop request on Thursday, November 6, after being denied permission for an islandwide motorcade originally scheduled for Sunday, November 9. The police cited insufficient personnel due to the Remembrance Day ceremony at The Cenotaph.
During a meeting on Friday, November 7, a party delegation offered to delay its 10 a.m. gathering time by an hour to allow for the conclusion of the ceremony and military procession. However, the commissioner refused but conceded that another date after November 9 would be honoured.
The party has advised the commissioner that it “wishes to proceed with its motorcade on November 16“and has been told this will be permitted. However, the UPP said it was still awaiting written confirmation.
The party is calling for an independent investigation into what it refers to as the “Bronco-gate/Vehiclegate/Chain-Gang Scandal,” which it claims involves fraud reportedly valued at $15 million at the Ministry of Works.
About The Author
