Ultimatum! Holness has 10 days to meet with executive of Central Clarendon

Daraine Luton, Senior Staff Reporter

OPPOSITION LEADER Andrew Holness' decision to omit Mike Henry from his shadow Cabinet has been frowned on by the executive of Central Clarendon, the constituency which Henry serves as member of parliament.

"Our member of parliament indicated that he was not approached to be a member of the Jamaica Labour Party's shadow Cabinet, a position which the executive members of Central Clarendon deem to be grossly distasteful, disgraceful and a downright insult to the constituency and its loyal member of parliament, Mike Henry," a media release issued yesterday said.

The release was issued over the name of Daphne Taylor, vice-chairman of the Central Clarendon constituency, and through an email address belonging to Henry.

Holness on Thursday named a 16-member shadow Cabinet which did not include the 77-year-old Henry, who is also chairman of the party.

questions on jdip

The Central Clarendon MP had served as transport and works minister in the past JLP administration. His term as minister ended after numerous questions were raised about the manner in which the multimillion US dollar Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP) was being implemented.

Henry has maintained that he was not fired by Holness and has defended his stewardship of the programme.

In the meantime, the executive of the Central Clarendon constituency has passed a resolution demanding answers from Holness and the leadership of the party.

"Whereas our member of parliament is the longest-serving JLP member of the Honourable House and one who has not diverted from party policy, but upheld the highest ideals, be it resolved that the Central Clarendon executive demands an urgent meeting with the leader and leadership of the party, at a location in the constituency, within 10 days, in order to receive an explanation as to his omission.

"Failure to meet the executive of Central Clarendon will leave the constituency with no option but to respond in a manner publicly displaying its position on Mike Henry's omission."

Arthur Williams, a JLP spokesperson, declined immediate comment on the matter saying he would have to first discuss the development with Holness.