Henry won't go back as JLP chairman

MIKE HENRY has laid to rest speculation that he could sit as an independent member of parliament (MP).

The embattled Central Clarendon MP, who yesterday stepped away as chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party, said he remained "firmly committed to the Jamaica Labour Party and will vigorously participate in parliamentary proceedings".

Aside from proceeding on leave as chairman of the party, Henry has also withdrawn his nomination to serve for another term in that capacity.

Robert Montague will assume the post of acting chairman.

Yesterday, Montague said he would be holding three critical meetings this week. One such meeting will involve a face-to-face with the general secretary, Aundré Franklin, and the leader, Andrew Holness.

The new chairman will also be calling a meeting of the operations council and the selection committee to treat with recommendations from the area councils dealing with divisional chairpersons representing the party at local government elections.

Critical issues

Montague will also meet with Henry to be briefed on critical issues within the party.

Henry, in a media release yesterday, said he was preparing a chairman's report on the December 29 general election.

"This report will convey my feelings on the election, as well as matters leading up to it, and will be submitted shortly."

Henry was omitted from Holness' shadow Cabinet, a decision which infuriated his Central Clarendon supporters who demanded a meeting within 10 days from Holness. That ultimatum expired yesterday without Holness budging.

Henry said yesterday that he has met with the constituency executive and the party's general secretary, and "my decision has been fully supported by the constituency".

The embattled Henry did not indicate his reasons for taking leave of absence. He, however, said a detailed letter would be sent to Holness.

Henry, the former transport and works minister, is at the centre of controversy surrounding the Jamaica Development Infrastructure Programme, which Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis has said was not being executed in a transparent manner.

Dr Omar Davies, the new minister of transport, works and housing, last week told the House of Representatives that only US$1.8 million of the US$400-million road programme's funds has not been used up or committed.