Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

VAZ

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

Embattled Member of Parliament (MP) for Western Portland, Daryl Vaz, who is charged with breaches of the Public Order, and Jamaica Constabulary Force acts, is to return to court on May 21.

At yesterday's hearing at the Resident Magistrate's Court in Buff Bay, Portland, the matter was mentioned, then set for May 21 by Justice Marjorie Moyston.

A notable absentee was Vaz's attorney, Tom Tavares-Finson. The MP, who was served with a summons while in Parliament last month, was charged following an incident which took place on December 5, 2007, during the Jamaica Labour Party's victory celebrations in Buff Bay, following the local government elections that day.

The police have alleged that Vaz used expletives at deputy superintendent of police Cornel Messam during the gathering.

The police have also alleged that the MP ignored the order to bring a halt to the gathering, despite being told several times.

However, Vaz has dismissed the allegations, and is insisting that no political gathering or meeting was held on the night of December 5. According to the MP, supporters had taken to the streets following the counting of the ballots, and were merely celebrating their party's victory at the polls. He also claimed that the lives of persons were threatened by the police who almost ran them over with a vehicle.

Vaz told The Gleaner he would be seeking to exonerate himself, as the matter would be pursued vigorously by his attorney.

He pointed out that the frequent court cases are preventing him from carrying out the work of the people, who elected him as their MP. He is awaiting a ruling from the chief justice on the matter of his dual citizenship and whether he will be allowed to continue as MP. That case kept Vaz in court for quite some time.