Fullerton (l), Gill (r)

The way is now clear for the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to find a new candidate to contest the rural St. Andrew South-east seat as a replacement for the controversial and volatile insurance sales agent, Kenrick Fullerton.

The former police officer and Insurance Broker has decided to step down from the organs of the Congress party following calls for him to step aside in light of his latest problem. The move effectively prevents Fullerton from attending executive meetings of the party and taking part in the affairs of the NDC Constituency Branch in his constituency.

The parliamentarian is accused of bashing his wife following an altercation which also involved his female lover. The M.P's own wife could be prosecuted by the police for allegedly smashing the windscreen of the motorcar owned by his female lover.

The wife reportedly made a complaint against Fullerton to the Royal Grenada Police Force (RGPF) but is said to have decided to withdrawn it and not proceed any further with the matter. The embattled M.P appeared with fellow executive member and attorney-at law, Arley Gill at his side at a press conference on Tuesday to announce that he was stepping down from the executive organ and all other committees of the Congress party.

Reading from a prepared statement, Fullerton said, "I hereby announce that I am stepping down from the executive organ and all other committees of the party". In response to allegations of wife-beating levelled at him, Fullerton stated that some of the allegations were not accurate but admitted that a domestic incident did occur but failed to disclose exactly what transpired.

He admitted that, "while my actions was to quell an escalation of the said incident, my involvement was unbecoming of a member of Parliament, as a senior member of the National Democratic Congress, as a husband and as a man. I do not support violence in any form especially against women".

"It is with contrition and forthrightness that I apologise to my family, my constituents who have supported me through thick and thin, to my party whose principles and philosophy I offended, to my Political Leader who is an exemplar of the highest standard of integrity and morality in public office and to the nation whose international image and reputation I always seek to protect", he said.

Fullerton conceded that while the affair had the potential to bring the NDC into disrepute that if it is the will of the party then he is prepared to abide and not offer himself for re-election in the upcoming general election.

Speculation is rife that three candidates including two females might be considered to run on the party ticket for the seat in the next poll to be held within the next twenty-two (22) months. However, Fullerton assured the residents of St. Andrew South-east that he remains committed to them and that they can rest assured that he will continue to represent them to the best of his ability.

He said: "I will redouble my efforts to serve the wonderful people in my constituency who have supported me throughout, who have allowed me into their homes and into their hearts, and who despite everything has continued to show me their love and compassion.

"To the nation I will continue without fear or intimidation to articulate the issues as I see it. There should be no doubt that I will continue to be a strong and effective voice in the Parliament and remain resolutely committed to the goals and ideals of the National Democratic Congress", he added.

While Fullerton is taking a back seat from the party, there are no plans for him to step down as the M.P for the constituency. The M.P left the press conference shortly after reading the  statement and the Party Leader Tillman Thomas then stepped into the room.

Thomas applauded Fullerton for the decision taken to stand down from the organs of the party and called for those occupying high offices in the State to conduct themselves in a similar manner. He alluded to both Prime Minister, Dr Keith Mitchell and Deputy Prime Minister, Gregory Bowen who are facing allegations of wrong-doings but continue to operate at governmental levels.

 The Grenadian leader is being investigated over allegations that he accepted US$500, 000.00 in bribes from an international conman in exchange for favours while Bowen has been caught openly lying to the nation on the oil deal with U.S investor, Jack Grynberg.

The Opposition Leader called on both Dr. Mitchell and Bowen to follow the example set by Fullerton and demit office since persons in high office should always lead by example.