Opposition questions interdiction of NEPA inspector over controversial development

The parliamentary Opposition is raising concern about the recent interdiction of a building inspector employed to the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) who uncovered the breaches at a controversial St Andrew housing development located at 11 Charlemont Drive.

 Rhyan Henry was placed on interdiction, minus 20 per cent of his salary, on January 17 to facilitate a “disciplinary investigation” into “allegation of gross misconduct”. 

But opposition spokesperson on the environment, Sophia Frazer Binns, says his reported interdiction raises questions about potential repercussions for whistleblowers or those seeking to expose violations of Jamaica's laws.

She says this interdiction leads the public to question the integrity of the environmental regulatory body.

"Without providing details of the circumstances around the interdiction of the officer, NEPA is confirming the view of many Jamaicans that 'the  big man' is treated differently from 'the little man'. This also cements the long held perception that there are two Jamaicas, one for the rich and connected and another for the poor," Frazer Binns argues.

She adds that in light of the national attention this matter has received, NEPA must provide sufficient information to the public regarding the reasons for Henry's  interdiction.

She also notes that the public still has not been informed of the outcome of the meeting of the Natural Resources Conservation Authority board held last week.

The decision by NEPA to suspend Henry came six days after the country's prosecutorial authority indicated, in a legal opinion, that the allegations made against the Barnetts support the filing of criminal charges against them, but said the authorities are out of time to file those charges.

The Sunday Gleaner reported yesterday that sources have revealed that Henry is being investigated based on allegations that he brought NEPA into “disrepute” because of his failure to “satisfactorily” carry out his monitoring duties at the housing development.

The housing development was undertaken by Mark Barnett, president of the State-owned National Water Commission, and his wife, Annette.

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