WATCH: ‘Who are we to judge?’ George Wright deserves a hearing, says Tufton
WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton says Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Central George Wright deserves a hearing and, he hinted, possible forgiveness over the allegations of domestic violence that stalked the MP after the release of a video last year.
Tufton made the suggestion while addressing labourites at the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) conference at Manning’s School in Westmoreland on Sunday.
“Back in 2020, the people’s choice was George Wright. I believe George Wright deserves a hearing,” Tufton appealed.
Tufton said that while he does not condone the allegations against Wright, he strongly believes a hearing is necessary.
“We have what is an alleged unfortunate incident which, based on those allegations, we must never condone, never support [and] must discourage,” Tufton reasoned.
However he noted that if Wright has made peace with his God, then no judgement should be cast.
READ: JLP urges Wright to report to police as PNP calls for resignation
“If George Wright has made peace with his God and those he has transgressed against, who are we to judge?” the minister questioned.
Tufton then went on to remind the JLP supporters that they live in a predominantly Christian society, which believes in forgiveness.
“We live in a predominantly Christian community and the basic tenet of Christianity is about forgiveness, is about tolerance, is about love, is about empathy,” he explained.
Tufton said he had an encounter with Wright’s son prior to the meeting and that instantly had him thinking about the alleged situation.
Wright was at the centre of a controversy after a video circulated on social media of a man hitting a woman with a stool during a fight. It was alleged that Wright was the man seen in the video, and that the woman was businesswoman Tannisha Singh.
Wright and Singh were then said to have reported the incident at separate police stations, in western Jamaica.
However, after launching an investigation into the incident, the police ended the probe due to a lack of cooperation from both parties as well as potential witnesses in the area where the incident allegedly occurred.
READ: JCF ends George Wright investigation
Wright was later dismissed from the JLP.