Mike in limbo

Erica Virtue, Senior Gleaner Writer

The future of Mike Henry, the controversial chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), was last night hanging in the balance after a meeting with Opposition Leader Andrew Holness early on Thursday.

News reached The Gleaner that following continuous days of bickering by constituents in his Central Clarendon bastion, Henry met with Holness who told him the party did not want him to return to the post of chairman when nominations open at next week's Central Executive meeting.

Chairman since 2010

Henry, who had been chairman since 2010, is to be replaced by Horace Chang - a former deputy leader.

Up to late last night, Henry's constituents were locked in a meeting in Clarendon, but no information could be ascertained from party central about the meeting with Holness. JLP officials are also not commenting publicly on the matter.

However, following discussions at Monday's Standing Committee meeting, Holness' declaration came midway through a 10-day ultimatum issued by Henry's supporters, who were demanding that the party leader meet with them to explain the perceived dis of Henry.

The 77-year-old Henry claimed he was not consulted prior to his omission from the shadow Cabinet. However, Holness is said to have met with, and explained to Henry that the position taken by the constituents was untenable and he was having none of it.

Party officials who have declined to be quoted have rubbished his claims of non-consultation, insisting that two meetings were held between himself and Holness and Henry was told hewould not be named to the shadow Cabinet, as there was unease surrounding the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP) which he oversaw.

JDIP has been embroiled in massive controversy following an audit, which resulted in uncomplimentary findings by the Auditor General's Department.

Henry first ran for the JLP in December 1976 but was unsuccessful.

The constituency has become a JLP stronghold, second only to Kingston Western. He is a six-term member of parliament and up to last week said he planned to run in 2017.

Despite several attempts last night, The Gleaner was unable to contact Henry as his telephone was turned off.

erica.virtue@gleanerjm.com