ANGRY EXCHANGES between Government and Opposition MPs marred last night's debate on the sale of the Crowne Plaza Hotel to the US Government to house its embassy and consulate.
Government members accused the Opposition of anti-American sentiments, supporting residents who think they are better than others and trying to block an attempt to deal with FINSAC's debts.
Opposition members denied they were being "anti-American", but accused the Government of selling off the country's patrimony cheaply because it was unable to pay its workers.
The exchange came during debate on a Motion from Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) MP Karl Samuda, in whose North-Central St. Andrew the hotel is located, supporting St. Andrew residents opposing the use of the premises for US consular/visa operations. Minister of Land and the Environment, Seymour Mullings, said an agreement had been reached for the sale of the hotel for US$8 million to the US.
Minister of State for Finance and Planning, Errol Ennis, said the sale was beyond recall. He accused the Opposition of displaying "vehement anti-American" feelings towards a country that "has done so much to enhance and help this country".
Minister of Foreign Trade, Anthony Hylton, supported him, stating some of the JLP's utterances on the issue "bordered on anti-Americanism". He said Jamaica could not guarantee full protection for the Americans and, therefore, needed to support their decision to house all their personnel and offices under one roof.
Opposition member Mike Henry (Central Clarendon): "Resign. As a government you should be ashamed to say that."
Minister of State for Industry, Commerce and Technology, Colin Campbell compared the action of the residents with those in his East St. Andrew constituency protesting against Mona Common squatters being moved on to UWI lands.
Mr. Samuda accused the PNP MPs of being "roast breadfruits" or "Oreo cookies". He said every attempt to defend people who had worked hard to acquire wealth, was met by Government claims that these were people who did not want to mix with the poor: "You are hypocrites who come here and speak out of both sides of your mouths to impress people," he said.
At one stage even the gallery joined in the fracas, hurling abuse at Mr.
Samuda who sought the protection of the Speaker. This prompted the Speaker, Mrs. Violet Neilson, to react: "If we behave the way we are doing, we can't blame the gallery."
At one stage Mr. Campbell suggested the Speaker reprimand Mr. Samuda for misleading the House. The Speaker sought the Hansard notes to clear up the matter, but up to the adjournment they were not available.
Eventually, Mr. Samuda amended his resolution to demand Mr. Mullings table the sale agreement before it is signed. Mr. Mullings agreed.
