Jamaica Police Closes George Wright Alleged Abuse Case

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says they have ended investigations into a case of alleged assault by Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) member of parliament, George Wright.

“The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has conducted investigations into a physical altercation between Member of Parliament, George Wright and Businesswoman, Tannisha Singh. Following an exhaustive investigation and interview process that conformed with law enforcement best practices and involved both parties, it is now clear that the investigation into the alleged incident has come to an end at this time,” the police said in a statement.

The JCF said that the unwillingness of the parties involved to participate in the investigation, as well as the poor quality of the video alleged to capture the incident, led to them closing the case.

Wright is alleged to be the man caught on video in a violent altercation with a woman. Since the video went viral on social media last week, the JLP has distanced itself from Wright.

On Friday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the leader of the JLP, said that Wright will now sit as an independent member of the House of Representatives.

In a statement, the JLP said Wright will withdraw from the Government Parliamentary Caucus in light of “unresolved allegations circulating in the public domain which are causing deep concern to many Jamaicans and the JLP including its parliamentarians.

“This means that Mr Wright’s status in Parliament would be that of an independent member. The Government Caucus also discussed the issue of Mr Wright’s attendance in Parliament and concluded that he should also be encouraged to apply to the Speaker for leave of absence from sittings of the House of Representatives until the allegations in the public domain are resolved,” the statement noted.

Prime Minister Holness also encouraged the embattled MP to take a leave of absence.