Hewitt, Young Dems clash over ‘misinformation’, support

Democratic Labour Party Presidential candidate Reverend Guy Hewitt on Friday hit back at a statement from the party’s youth arm raising questions about his financial support.

Describing the statement as “untrue” and “deliberately misleading”, the Anglican cleric and ex-diplomat denied he made a financial contribution to the Young Democrats and sought a ‘quid pro quo’ as stated in their release issued Thursday.

Hewitt has called on incumbent president Verla DePeiza to address the  “misinformation”.

He said: “Regarding the Young Democrats’ further allegations that “Hewitt further alluded to making a financial contribution to the Young Democrats; this is erroneous at best” and sought a ‘quid pro quo’; both are untrue.”

“As someone who witnessed first-hand how the Young Democrats forged leaders and prime ministers in both political parties, this attack on my integrity caused me great dismay,” Reverend Hewitt declared. “I have stated publicly that integrity for me is not a word but a way of life.”

The executive of the Young Dems suggested yesterday that Hewitt attempted to attach certain terms and conditions to a donation for a  water drive for people in need that did not sit well with the organisation.

But in a stern rebuttal, the presidential challenger expressed concern that within the space of two weeks, he was compelled to respond to “disinformation” being spread in an effort to undermine his bid.

“I have the voice notes of thanks from [Young Dems president] Ms [Shaquani] Hunte to prove the latter,  Hewitt said.

He said he was already mobilising financial support for candidates and had also collaborated with Peter Sealy of Tru Purified Water to donate $500 in bottled water to a Young Democrats’ water drive.

The reverend also struck back against suggestions that his commitment to the Young Democrats and focus on the recruitment of women was based on his misunderstanding of the party’s current direction.

He explained that his commitment is consistent with a June 2021 outreach letter shared with party members where he expressed his intention to restart the JC Tudor Academy of Politics, ensure the Young Democrats are a visible and viable group and focus on the recruitment of women in politics.

Hewitt declared: “However, I am not only troubled with the disinformation by the Young Democrats as I am aware that nothing should be externalised from organs within the DLP without first passing through the Communications Committee. One must ask, therefore, who is ultimately behind and responsible for these blatant untruths and disinformation. That is a question I would ask the current President to address directly.

“Some things should transcend politics and the quest for power. Truth, honesty, integrity, decency and fairness must be absolute values to be cherished, for to abandon them is to abandon one’s soul.” (KS)