Fitz-Henley urges Opposition to stop making 'misleading' statements

Government Senator Abka Fitz-Henley is calling for the Opposition People's National Party to "cease and desist from making misleading statements for political gain" following the recent retraction of aspects of a statement by Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Julian Robinson.

In questioning the status of shares held by the Government in listed company First Rock, Robinson made certain comments for which he has since apologised after he was reportedly written to by the company's lawyers.

Fitz-Henley, who is Chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party's Communication Taskforce, described Robinson's conduct as "shameful and disappointing but not surprising" and said it was the continuation of a trend where PNP spokespersons and supporters have been "peddling misleading allegations without any care for accuracy and reputations they damage".

"Robinson's conduct is not surprising because not too long ago another member of the shadow cabinet, Peter Bunting made allegations in Parliament about the government not paying a contractor and work being delayed on a school. The contractor denied it and confirmed he was paid. Bunting has not apologised. Ian Hayles alleged that the Government had issued tanks to a businessman, the businessman showed receipts confirming he purchased the items himself. Hayles has not apologised," Fitz-Henley said.

He also noted that lawsuits have been filed against the PNP's Damion Crawford and Dr Alfred Dawes for alleged defamatory comments.

Fitz-Henley said in another jurisdiction Robinson's conduct might have led to him tendering a letter of resignation from the Shadow Cabinet.

On Wednesday, Sagicor Bank announced that it had foreclosed on First Rock's luxury development in Liguanea, St Andrew, Hambani Estate Development, after “months of good-faith efforts to reach a fair and sustainable resolution.”

The bank indicated that it has placed the lands under mortgages for the development, granted to First Rock Real Estate Investments Limited, into receivership.

First Rock Capital Holdings secured a US$10 million construction loan from Sagicor Bank Jamaica for the Hambani Estates project.

Following that development, Opposition Spokesperson on Finance, Julian Robinson, said the issues at First Rock are of concern given that government entities, the National Insurance Fund, the Norman Manley International Airport Limited, and the Airports Authority of Jamaica are listed among the 10 largest shareholders in the company.

First Rock Real Estate Investment Limited has since announced plans to regain possession of the remaining lots at its Hambani Estate residential complex from Sagicor Bank Jamaica.

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