ST. VINCENT:- Minister of Technology Dr. Jerrol Thompson has said that he has a videotape proving that the New Democratic Party’s (NDP) candidate for North Leeward, Roland “Patel” Matthews, assaulted a constituent with a cutlass (machete).
He has further called on Matthews to apologize to the nation and the NDP for “fooling’ them. (Go to the homepage to subscribe to I Witness-News)
Thompson had said last week Sunday, Sept. 19, that he had been informed of the incident in which Matthews allegedly put a cutlass to the man’s throat.
Matthews, who is hoping to unseat Thompson in the next general elections, has denied the accusation and threatened to sue Thompson.
“Jerrol… know your place. Don’t believe I am a footstool. You call me all kinda names. I [am] satisfied with that but don’t tell lie on me. Don’t do that. Because when yo’ do that, I will deal with him in the most appropriate way,” Matthews said on Friday, Sept 24.
“But time alone will tell, Mr. Thompson. Time alone will tell. Because the injustice you have done to me by speaking a lie on me, time alone will tell. And the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will know that you have lied and you continue to lie,” the aspiring parliamentarian further said.
But Thompson told supporters of his Unity Labour Party (ULP) in Barrouallie on Sunday, Sept. 26, that he regretted not having equipment at the rally to show the video of the allege incident.
“Last Sunday I told you that I had received information that a very poor man — a poor man by the name of Chrispin — he had some issues relation to my opponent’s shop. And my opponent would have run out of his shop and held a cutlass to the man’s throat,” Thompson said.
“Well, I understand that, at the meeting in Spring Village, my opponent said that I lied and that he had checked three lawyers. Now, I
am a medical doctor. I know that when somebody says that they went to three doctors is because when you go to the first doctor, you go for a second opinion. And, if you not satisfied with the second opinion you go for a third opinion. But tell me, have ever heard somebody going to three lawyers?” Thompson added.
“… Well comrades, in due course. We don’t have it – I was hoping there might be a screen here tonight or something where I can show you the videotape. But in due course!” Thompson further said. (Follow I Witness-News on Facebook)
“And I want to say here tonight that I want Patel Matthews to apologise to this nation, to apologise to Chrispin and also to apologise for fooling the leadership of the NDP. Because he tried to fool them that he basically is a worthwhile character who should be running in this election,” Thompson said, adding that he will defeat Matthews at the poll.