KINGSTON, Jamaica – People’s National Party (PNP) John-Paul White says he stepped down as Trelawny Northern candidate after being “guided to a decision” by the party.

He resigned yesterday following a meeting with PNP General Secretary Paul Burke and members of the constituency’s executive.

White, who replaced sitting Member of Parliament Patrick Atkinson, has been facing mounting opposition from PNP factions within the constituency.

The rumblings deepened Wednesday when the Jamaica Observer reported that Equilibrio Solutions Jamaica Limited, a company owned by White, had owed the Government $17 million in taxes.

However, White had paid $3 million on Tuesday, leaving approximately $14 million after making a payment arrangement with the tax authorities.

White’s statement in full:

“I have been guided to a decision by the People’s National Party, which I will accept. I wish to remove any issue that may potentially cause the party embarrassment. Therefore, I will step back as standard – bearer for the party’s Northern Trelawny Constituency organisation, in the interest of the greater good and in the aim of securing an overall victory for the PNP.

No doubt, there are thousands and thousands of people in the constituency who will be disappointed. However, I assure them that they will always be close to my heart. Therefore, I will be in the constituency to encourage the people to be united and to support the People’s National Party to ensure a victory at the polls on February 25th.

The sun will always rise in the morning! Therefore, I remain committed to serving my party whenever called up on due to my undying love for Jamaica.”