Thwaites
Omar Anderson, Freelance Writer
FEWER THAN six months after resigning as Central Kingston Member of Parliament, attorney-at-law and Roman Catholic deacon, Ronald Thwaites, is eyeing a seat in the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) Council chamber.
He says he's "open" to representing the People's National Party (PNP) in the Local Government election due by next March.
Mr. Thwaites resigned in July amid allegations of financial improprieties,
"I am interested in serving the people and if I am asked and consideredable, I would respond accordingly," Mr. Thwaites said yesterday.
PNP General Secretary Maxine Henry-Wilson, in answering Sunday Gleaner questions, confirmed that Mr. Thwaites wrote the party "a week ago" proposing his return to the political arena.
"He has sent us a letter indicating his interest in running in one of the Parish Council divisions," she said.
Informed sources told The Sunday Gleaner last week that Mr. Thwaites is eyeing two divisions. The Rae Town Division one of two in Central Kingston which is being represented by PNP Councillor, Jennifer Newman, and the Allman Town Division, represented by Victor Cummings. Mr. Cummings was elected Central Kingston Member of Parliament in the October 16 General Election.
Mrs. Henry-Wilson said that Mr. Thwaites' letter "has to go before our Appraisal Committee."
But, it is understood that his desire to re-enter the political stream, albeit on a different scale, has sparked animosity among party supporters in Central Kingston, some of whom are describing the lawyer's move as premature in wake of reports of his financial worries.
Part of the contention also centres around the perceived move to replace Ms. Newman with Mr. Thwaites who said yesterday he would not be drawn yet into identifying which Parish Council seat he is seeking to represent. "I am open to the wishes of the party. I've expressed an openness to represent people again, and I'm not being specific at this time," he told The Sunday Gleaner.
Responding to reports of animosity over his intention to return to representational politics, he said: "I wouldn't be part of any such animosity. That's not part of my way of operating."
Reacting to the news, Ms. Newman, who won the division on a JLP ticket, said she is not worried as she has been representing her division very well for the past four years.
"If Mr. Thwaites wants to contest the division, let him do so because I'm part of a democratic party," she said.
Meanwhile, The Sunday Gleaner also questioned Mr. Thwaites as to whether his decision to contest a KSAC seat lies in an ambition to replace current Mayor Marie Atkins who, for years, has been heading the Corporation. She has been criticised for its lack-lustre performance in recent times. But Mr. Thwaites said yesterday his "mind hasn't gone to that level" of becoming KSAC mayor.
"The only thing in my mind is an interest in representing people's needs," he said. "I did that as an MP. I had to withdraw. If it is time for me to be open to a different type of representation, I will consider it."
Asked about the timing, given his resignation last July over financial problems, Mr. Thwaites said "maybe that is an important consideration."
Mr. Thwaites, senior partner in the law firm Daly, Thwaites and Co., Duke Street, Kingston, had resigned as MP amid allegations of financial impropriety, including the failure to hand over in a timely manner, funds collected on behalf of the Postal Corporation of Jamaica (PCJ) and the use of church property as collateral for a personal loan which had not been serviced for at least two years.
Mr. Thwaites had admitted that a $5 million cheque for the PCJ, which was deposited to his company, was paid back in two instalments. He said he had offered to pay interest on the money but his offer was declined.
Following the disclosure, Postmaster-General, Dr. Blossom O'Meally-Nelson, asked Auditor-General, Adrian Strachan, to audit all the operations of the postal services. It is not known whether the audit has been completed as The Sunday Gleaner was unable to contact Mr. Strachan yesterday for a comment.
