JLP plotting to discredit me, says Henry

Erica Virtue, Senior Gleaner Writer

LESTER MIKE Henry, the member of parliament for Central Clarendon, said the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is setting the stage to discredit him from holding any future positions in the party, including his current post as chairman. And Henry has accused the media of being part of the plot.

In an early-morning rebuke from the long-standing member of parliament following the publication of the story 'Mike in limbo' yesterday, he denied meeting with the JLP leader, Andrew Holness, and denied meeting with his constituents Thursday night despite information to the contrary told to The Gleaner.

"This is part of a long-term strategy to weaken me, and weaken a strong leader. This is why, to date, there is no response to the ultimatum from the constituency executive regarding my omission from the shadow Cabinet," a fuming Henry told this reporter.

"The election for the chairman and other officials should have taken place after [the party's] annual conference in November. Holness asked that the elections be put off until after the general election and we agreed. When the nominations closed, only myself and Bobby Montague were nominated for chairman, and Aundré Franklin for general secretary," he said.

According to him, "If nominations were later reopened to allow other persons in, some of the names being banded about, then in one sweep the party leader would have gotten rid of both myself and Montague."

Former deputy leader Horace Chang and at least one other candidate are tipped to replace Henry.

Uncertainty

He admitted discussing the legality of re-opening the nominations, but was unaware if the JLP constitution covered it.

Henry said if Franklin "is part of those trying to discredit me, it's only a matter of time before they come for him too."

Franklin could not be reached for comment yesterday, but The Gleaner understands that he was not invited to a meeting with Holness and other JLP officials. Henry said he has always maintained that any leader who leads the party to an election loss should step away, and "hence my challenges to Seaga".

The Gleaner understands that the party is uneasy with Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme (JDIP) monkey which is hanging on Henry's back, and wants to distance itself from him.

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