Motion censuring Phillips to be dropped

A CENSURE motion hanging over the head of senior opposition Member of Parliament, Dr Peter Phillips, is expected to be lifted today when members of the House of Representatives meet at Gordon House.

A senior government source has informed The Gleaner that the motion, moved by Member of Parliament for North East St Catherine, Gregory Mair, will be withdrawn during today's sitting.

House Leader Andrew Holness had informed his parliamentary colleagues last week that debate on the motion would have started on June 21.

Less than three weeks ago, Speaker of the House Delroy Chuck had informed parliamentarians that the Emil George-led Manatt-Dudus commission of enquiry had asked Parliament to delay debate on the motion to censure Phillips until the commissioners submitted their report.

Phillips came under intense pressure during the enquiry from attorneys representing the Jamaica Labour Party for signing two secret memoranda of understanding (MOUs) when he held the position of national security minister under the People's National Party administration.

The MOUs were signed with the United States Government, but neither the Cabinet nor then Prime Minister P.J. Patterson was informed about the documents.

The Manatt-Dudus commission of enquiry report was tabled in the House of Representatives last week.