THE Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has chided People’s National Party (PNP) Vice-President Ian Hayles for a video making the rounds on social media about taxpayers’ money used to donate several water tanks to a business place in Westmoreland Western.

In the video, Hayles, a potential candidate for the PNP in Westmoreland Western, questioned how a car wash across from the JLP’s constituency office in Mango Hall, Little London, was given 10 water tanks.

“We have citizens suffering out there [and] is not say them put this in 10 Labourite house, or 10 Labourite yard, it is the car wash. Why a car wash?” asked Hayles as he demanded an explanation for what he claimed was the rotten distribution of water tanks.

But the operator of the car wash, Tomlin Dixon, on Monday told the Jamaica Observer that he bought his tanks on March 18 in Little London. He said the nine tanks, which were purchased for $504,000, are used to store water for his water distribution business.

According to Dixon, since the allegations by Hayles he has received threats that his tanks will be slashed.

“I am taking it seriously, because I did not sleep last night,” Dixon said.

“I have to be peeping through that window, watching my things them. I work hard night and day to save my money to buy my tanks. I have sleepless nights, and even my kids don’t see me because I sell water right through the night. People don’t have to be at their yard for me to sell water. I drop off the water and in the day they come and drop off the money at the car wash — that is how much people trust me. So that is the only reason why I bought my tanks — for storage.

“So when people want to go ahead and say it is politician who gave me tanks, and this and that, it has nothing to do with my business,” added Dixon.

On Thursday, JLP General Secretary Dr Horace Chang said the party strongly condemns the statements made by Hayles which have resulted in significant distress and threats against the businessman.

“These accusations have since been debunked by a businessman who, having purchased tanks for over half a million dollars privately, now faces public scrutiny and has received threats due to these claims,” noted Chang.

He argued that Hayles should issue an immediate apology for the misinformation, denounce the threats against the businessman, and refrain from further irresponsible conduct.

“This situation underscores a concerning pattern within the PNP of resorting to fabrications for political gain,” said Chang.

“It’s time for a shift towards addressing the real challenges Jamaicans face daily rather than creating divisiveness,” added Chang as he declared that the JLP reaffirms its commitment to the fair and transparent implementation of the black tank programme, essential for alleviating water shortages faced by Jamaicans.

According to Chang, PNP President Mark Golding should take corrective actions against Hayles and help steer his party towards more constructive and truthful discourse.