Reports that George Town independent candidate Ellio Solomon was disqualified from the election because of bankruptcy are false, Supervisor of Elections Kerney Gomez said Friday.
‘This is most unfortunate,’ said Mr. Gomez. ‘These are malicious rumours at best.’
Rumours also circulated about the possible disqualification of another candidate as well.
‘There have been no disqualifications of any candidate, and in particular Ellio Solomon,’ said Mr. Gomez. ‘All 45 candidates are still on the slate for Wednesday’s election.’
Mr. Solomon said the rumours originated in a court action against him filed last week concerning a disputed bill from 1999.
‘These accusations, levelled against me five days before the election, along with the rumour of disqualification are nothing more than a calculated and malicious attempt to derail my campaign in the final days of the election,’ he said.
The action in court was filed by Charles Adams, Ritchie and Duckworth on behalf of Island Paving and concerned an unsatisfied judgement debt, the firm said.
Mr. Solomon pointed out that Alden McLaughlin and Anton Duckworth, both members of that law firm, are also high-ranking members of the People’s Progressive Movement.
Mr. McLaughlin said the action was not politically motivated and had been a long outstanding matter.
‘Personally, if I had had anything to do with it, and I could have stopped or delayed (the court action), I would have done so,’ he said.
‘I would have known that any effort would be seen as a PPM conspiracy to derail Ellio’s campaign.’
Mr. McLaughlin said such publicity is the last thing the PPM needs.
‘We’re already winning, so we don’t need this. It’s a distraction and an issue we’d really rather not deal with.’
The firm of Charles Adam Ritchie and Duckworth also issued a statement denying the court action was politically motivated.
‘Notwithstanding two partners of this firm are members of a political party in their personal capacity, this firm considers itself apolitical,’ the statement said.
‘The two partners of this firm who are members of a political party have not been involved to any extent in the interactions with our client. We wish to make clear that, as in all matters, we have acted on this matter solely on our clients’ express instructions.’
Mr. Solomon urged his supporters look at the situation for ‘what it is and to use it as a prime example of why the country needs political reform and representatives that hold principles above their own special interest.’
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