During a motion to adjourn in the House of Assembly on Friday evening, Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, publicly addressed what he described as “unsubstantiated, malicious rumors” circulating throughout the community accusing him of abusing women.
Speaking emotionally on the floor of the House, Hayward revealed that on January 21st he received a forwarded message alleging that his wife had left him because of abuse and that a previous girlfriend had also ended a relationship with him for the same reason. The message further accused him of being “abusive of women” and claimed he was making decisions about the country because of family connections within the Progressive Labour Party (PLP).
Hayward said that after he put his hand forward to challenge the leadership of the party, a voice message began circulating repeating similar accusations, including claims that he was “a woman beater” and had a police record to support it.
The Minister strongly denied the allegations, calling them false and damaging to his character.
“I have never engaged in domestic violence. I am not a woman beater and I have never abused a woman,” Hayward told the House. “It’s sad that I even have to say that.”
He spoke about the personal toll the rumors have taken, stating that despite dedicating 22 years of his life to public service, there are individuals “determined on destroying my character.”
Hayward also issued a direct challenge to anyone making the accusations, stating that if any evidence is produced proving he engaged in domestic violence, he would immediately resign from Parliament.
“If anybody comes with any evidence — a police report, a medical report, a doctor’s report, or an individual who I have been in a relationship with in the past comes forward and says that I engaged in domestic violence — I’ll resign from Parliament immediately,” he declared.
The Minister concluded by saying he would continue to defend himself publicly against what he described as false claims.
“As long as miscreants are able to say my name, I’ll continue to defend myself,” Hayward said. “I’m not expecting the world to defend me, but I will defend myself.”
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