THE nasty underbelly of Jamaican politics was thrown into the public spotlight on Wednesday by two of the island’s senior politicians who were recorded making repulsive statements that sparked outrage across the country.

Cabinet member Everald Warmington, who has responsibility for works, was captured on video telling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters that Kurt Waul, the People’s National Party (PNP) candidate who unseated the JLP’s Lloyd Grant in the Old Harbour South Division in Monday’s local government elections, would not get a cent in public sector funds that may be spent by his ministry in the district.

Earlier in the day, a video emerged showing PNP candidate for Trelawny Northern Dennis Meadows endorsing lottery scamming, telling Comrades in the run-up to the local government elections that there was nothing wrong with the criminal act, and suggesting that it is justification for slavery.

The PNP quickly distanced itself from the comments and Meadows has withdrawn them.

Late Wednesday evening Warmington issued a statement also withdrawing his comments.

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