Kingston, Jamaica. April 30, 2024: Leader of Government Business in the House of Representatives, Philip Paulwell, today called for changes to how the annual Sectoral Debates are conducted, arguing that currently, the sessions are not as useful as they could be.

“These are not real debates, certainly not like the main budget debate where views and positions are argued between Government and Opposition,” Paulwell said, pointing out that over the years, the government has ignored both criticisms and recommendations put forward by the opposition, rather than debating the issues.

In his contribution to the sectoral debate in Gordon House as Opposition Spokesperson on Energy, Climate Change, and Sustainable Growth, Paulwell, who represents East Kingston and Port Royal as a Member of Parliament, suggested that the Parliament had the opportunity to change the format of the Sectoral Debates, as it is currently reviewing the Standing Orders.

“I welcome the opportunity to be a part of the committee to undertake a comprehensive review of the standing orders. I propose we use the opportunity to regulate the sectoral debate to make it more meaningful and effective,” the legislator said.

Kingston, Jamaica – April 30, 2024: The People’s National Party (PNP) informs the public that its attorneys-at-law have written to the Public Service Commission to request clarity concerning the specific basis on which an acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has been appointed. 

Hylton Powell, Attorneys at Law, representing Phillip Paulwell and Peter Bunting, have sent a detailed letter to Mrs. Patricia Sinclair-McCalla, CD, JP, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, requesting clarification on the specific basis for the appointment of the acting DPP, following the ruling by the Full Court on April 19, 2024. 

The Full Court declared that the purported second extension of the tenure of the former DPP, Ms. Paula Llewellyn, KC, unconstitutional, null and void. By virtue of this judicial decision, there has been a vacancy in the office of DPP since September 2023.  However, statements have been from the Attorney-General’s Chambers, suggesting otherwise.

The PNP is dedicated to ensuring that appointments within key public offices are conducted transparently and adhere strictly to the law. We urge the public to review the attached letter, which articulates the concerns raised and seeks to ensure that the Public Service Commission’s decisions are aligned with the decision of the Full Court.

The PNP will continue to closely monitor this situation and expects a clear and prompt response from the Public Service Commission to address these vital legal questions.

Kingston, Jamaica – April 30, 2024: In the proceedings held today, April 30, 2024, Dwayne Vaz addressed the charge of Failure without reasonable cause to provide information requested to the Director or Information and Complaints by way of notice dated November 3, 2020 and subsequent extension dated November 20, 2020. This charge relates to a 2020 notice concerning a delay in providing specific information about one entity with which he is associated. Mr Vaz subsequently submitted all required documentation thereafter and received a letter from the Integrity Commission dated May 18, 2021, stating that his statutory declaration up to December 31, 2019, had been reviewed and was found to be in compliance with the Integrity Commission Act, 2027 – Section 42(3)(a).

In court today, Mr. Vaz acknowledged his delay and pleaded guilty to the charge relating only to the failure to provide the additional information on the day on which it was due. During his plea, Mr. Vaz pointed out that he intends to argue his case based on the May 18, 2021 letter, asserting that it discharged his obligations under the Act. He also highlighted a significant procedural lapse: as the Integrity Commission once again did not present the May 18, 2021 letter to the court, a document crucial to Mr. Vaz’s defence.

Mr. Vaz  wishes to emphasize that he has no outstanding declarations and  notes that the notice was issued three years after the letter confirming his compliance was received.

Mr. Vaz remains committed to resolving this matter in accordance with the law.

Kingston, Jamaica. April 17, 2024: Janice Allen, the Shadow Minister for Tourism, is sounding the alarm on the critical water shortage in Negril, emphasising its devastating impact on the tourism sector, which is a cornerstone of the economy. Allen is calling for immediate governmental action to resolve the water scarcity that is now threatening both the livelihood of residents and the viability of Negril’s tourism industry.

Home to nearly 7,000 accommodation units, from small bed and breakfasts to large-scale hotels, Negril’s tourism infrastructure is crippled by the inadequate provision of essential services such as water and sewage systems. Despite the area generating significant tourism earnings and contributing to the overall US$4 billion last year, Allen points out the stark lack of reinvestment in necessary infrastructure that would support the sustainable development of tourism.

Industry partners have voiced their concerns through Allen, detailing the severe financial strain as they resort to expensive measures like trucking in water costing up to $45,000 per trip and in some instances totalling almost half a million for the month for some small properties. “This is a dire situation where businesses are forced to allocate substantial resources just to meet basic water needs, which should instead be invested back into enhancing guest experiences and expanding our tourism offerings,” Allen remarked.

Allen criticised the government’s slow response and lack of prioritisation, noting that despite repeated promises, there has been no significant investment in water infrastructure in Negril over the last eight years. “The current administration must understand the urgency of this matter and the direct connection between tourism’s viability and the country’s infrastructure,” asserts Allen.

The Shadow Minister is calling for an emergency response, including the engagement of the army’s engineer corps, to fast track the much-delayed long-term solutions. She expressed dismay at the projected two-year timeline to complete one of the major water projects in Negril and called for the Minister of Tourism to apply pressure on the government to expedite these critical infrastructure projects which are crucial to the industry’s survial.

Allen concluded, “Our tourism industry, which is celebrated by the Minister at every opportunity, deserves more than just accolades—it needs action. We cannot allow this water crisis to further damage our reputation and the economic health of Negril.”

Kingston, Jamaica. April 17, 2024: The Opposition People’s National Party is expressing concern over the government’s plan to divest facilities at the Agricultural Marketing Corporation (AMC), which currently serves as an agricultural hub for many local farmers and entrepreneurs. 

During a recent visit to AMC by the Shadow Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Dayton Campbell, Shadow Minister of Investment, Trade and Global Logistics Anthony Hylton, MP, as well as Junior Shadow Spokesperson on Agriculture and Water Paul Blake, proprietors at the facility expressed their apprehensions about the lack of transparency surrounding the government’s plans for divestment and the potential ramifications for the local agricultural sector.  

“The opposition is deeply concerned about the government’s plan to divest the Agricultural Marketing Corporation without proper consultation with stakeholders,” stated Dr Campbell. “It is unacceptable that proprietors have been left in the dark about the future of this vital facility.”

Dr Campbell, underlining the importance of agriculture as a key area for growth and development, stated that divesting assets like AMC is not the solution. He emphasised the need for the government to focus on upgrading the facility to offer better services, making it more profitable and efficient for business. He also pointed out that the current situation, with only one of the cold storage facilities in operation, is leading to decreased productivity for those who rely on the facility.

Anthony Hylton echoed these sentiments sharing that the finances needed to upgrade/rebuild the facility can be made available through concessional funding and/or grant funds from bilateral sources to aid the export agricultural sector and not private high-priced financing, which will make the sector uncompetitive. 

AMC plays a crucial role in supporting our local agricultural industry and with its strategic location, has the potential to generate significant gains for our economy. The Opposition is therefore recommending that the government:

1. Upgrades the facility to offer enhanced services and infrastructure, 

2. Solarise the facility to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability, 

3. Repair and maintain the non-operational cold storage facilities,

4. Incorporate fumigation services to enhance the facility’s capabilities.

 

The PNP further urges the government to prioritise the long-term interests of local farmers and entrepreneurs by engaging in transparent consultations and considering alternative solutions to divestment.

Kingston, Jamaica. April 10, 2024: Shadow Minister of Local Government, Mrs Natalie Neita Garvey, MP, says although she is grateful for the quick action by National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) employees to contain the fire at the Riverton City Dump site, more must be done urgently to limit the possibility of fires from spontaneous combustion at the dump.

In a statement this afternoon, the Shadow Minister said the capital city could not continue to absorb such levels of smoke inhalation on an annual basis as it has major health and business implications. She said Kingston and St. Andrew, as well as Portmore, had serious air quality issues yesterday which particularly affected citizens with respiratory illnesses.

Mrs Neita Garvey said that in the past, the NSWMA had given many assurances of improved practices in its effort to convert the dump site into a sanitary landfill. But, she notes, in the meantime, the city is traumatised annually by the fires and smoke.

She urged the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, MP, to ensure the agency is provided with the necessary financial and technical resources to maintain the dump at a level where fires will not suddenly begin there. “This includes a more serious public education effort to encourage garbage separation at source and continuous covering of material taken to the site daily”, the Shadow Minister emphasised.

Mrs Neita Garvey also asked the Minister to provide an update on plans announced by the Prime Minister some time ago to remove the city dump to a new site, which would provide better conditions for waste disposal. “Sufficient time has elapsed for the government to give a status report on this important subject”, Mrs Neita Garvey concluded.

Kingston, Jamaica. April 10, 2024: The Opposition is appalled, though not surprised, by the crass display of arrogance by Information Minister Robert Morgan in his response to media queries regarding the improper and unjust public letter of reprimand issued by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Juliet Holness, to former Parliamentary Clerk Ms. Valrie Curtis. 

Shadow Minister of Information Ms Nekeisha Burchell said, “The Information Minister‘s dismissive attitude is symptomatic of a Government that has lost its way in serving the people, crudely resisting accountability and flippantly dismissing the legitimate criticisms from a broad cross-section of media, civil society, unions, and the Opposition about a matter which exposes a worrying tendency of misuse of power in the country.”

She continued, “That pattern of abuse was exacerbated yesterday in Parliament when the Government used its control of the House to bar the Opposition from raising the issue. The Government’s refusal to answer the criticisms in this matter demonstrates blatant disregard for accountability and transparency and is the antithesis of responsible governance,” said Ms Burchell.

Ms Burchell reiterated that “This affair underscores this Government’s arrogance and disrespect towards the Jamaican people. Ms. Valrie Curtis dedicated decades of her life in service to this country, and it is deeply troubling to witness her being unjustly vilified on the eve of her retirement.”

The Opposition again calls upon the Government to publicly acknowledge the gravity of this matter. It is imperative that the Speaker shows appropriate contrition to rectify this injustice by withdrawing her offensive letter and offering a sincere public apology to Ms Valrie Curtis. Anything short of this would be a betrayal of the principles of fairness, natural justice, and accountability that should guide our democracy.

Kingston, Jamaica. April 9, 2024: Shadow Minister on Water, Ian Hayles, has proposed sustainable solutions to address the water crisis in Negril while criticising the government’s recent announcement of a USD $209 million project aimed at running a pipeline from the Roaring River Treatment Plant to Negril.

Hayles began by emphasising the necessity of long-term planning and sustainable solutions to meet the increasing water demands in the region. He proposed a comprehensive plan to channel water from both the Roaring and Cabarita Rivers, creating multiple pipelines extending into various communities. Reference was made to a plan by the National Water Commission (NWC), which highlighted the potential to harvest 17 million gallons of water per day from the Cabarita River alone.

Despite acknowledging the commendable effort of any investment in water infrastructure, Hayles criticised the government’s approach as short-sighted and ultimately insufficient. “Access to water is a basic human need, and it is imperative that our planning reflects the growing demand in areas undergoing rapid infrastructural development such as Negril,” Hayles asserted. “The proposed pipeline from the Roaring River Treatment Plant to Negril, though touted as a solution, is merely a bandaid on a much larger issue.”

Hayles further highlighted the inadequacy of the treatment plant in Logwood to supply water to the surrounding communities. He suggested that integrating it with the Cabarita and Roaring River sources would enhance access to water for existing communities while providing sufficient capacity for future development.

Additionally, Hayles proposed measures to optimise water usage, such as mandating hotels and large businesses to utilise stored water during daytime hours, thereby alleviating strain on the pipeline during peak times.

“Investing in water infrastructure requires foresight and strategic planning,” Hayles added. “The government must prioritise sustainable solutions that not only address current needs but also anticipate future demands. Access to clean and potable water is a basic human need, and it is our duty to ensure that it is preserved for generations to come.”

In line with these concerns, Hayles also cautioned the government to prioritise infrastructure for future development, including water, roads, electricity, and sewage, before granting approvals. Such proactive measures are essential for ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with the demands of growing communities and avoids exacerbating existing issues.

Kingston, Jamaica. March 20, 2024: The hard-won gains made by women, women’s organizations and advocates for the rights of women should not be used for expediency (political or otherwise) neither is it a ‘get out of jail’ card akin to the game of monopoly. The imagery of this violation being waved like a flag by the Gender Minister, Honourable Olivia Grange, when it is convenient to do so, is worrisome and borders on being disingenuous, says co-chair of the PNP Gender Commission, Ethnie Miller Simpson.   

Supporters of gender parity and advocates for women’s economic empowerment assert that women should be seen and compensated as equals. When the argument of ‘competence vs. gender’ arises, the emphasis is on competence. In other words, a woman should not be rewarded simply because of her gender but based on her performance and competence in getting the job done. Similarly, women’s achievements should not be viewed as a penalty against them but as part of the journey towards parity.

Good governance is about measuring how public institutions conduct public affairs, manage resources, and uphold human rights, free from abuse and corruption and with due regard for the rule of law. A compromised institutional process where the Speaker does not act independently of the head of government is not conducive to forward-looking development in Jamaica’s political governance, asserts Miller Simpson.

The concern lies not with the gender of the Speaker but with her performance. The Speaker’s actions, such as the non-tabling of Attorney General reports, preventing timely reviews, and not sharing opinions with other Parliamentarians, raise significant governance issues.

Increasing unease among Jamaicans with this striking conflict of practice, protocol, and clear error in good governance is evident. The best practice of ensuring that spouses or partners are not employed in the same financial entity or corporate office is well-established. If this is enforced good governance in companies, why not the same in politics? From all accounts, this is not a gender violation but a governance point of order.

Kingston, Jamaica – March 20, 2024 – The People’s National Party’s Women’s Movement issues this press release to address the ongoing discourse surrounding the position of Speaker of the House in Jamaica.

It is evident that the conflict of interest arising from the spousal relationship between the Speaker of the House and the Prime Minister is a matter of concern that cannot be overlooked. This conflict would persist regardless of the genders involved, as the issue lies in the inherent conflict between the roles of Speaker and Prime Minister.

We emphasize that identifying this conflict is not an attack on an individual’s abilities or character. Instead, it is a necessary step in establishing a framework for appointment that upholds the integrity of the office and ensures it can effectively serve the Jamaican people.

Furthermore, we must not conflate legitimate discourse on matters concerning our nation with accusations of misogyny. Any attempt to do so would only hinder efforts toward achieving genuine gender parity and equality. Our goal is to ensure equal opportunities and equal accountability for all representatives, regardless of gender.

The PNPWM remains committed to upholding the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability in our parliamentary proceedings. We call on the government to address the legitimate concerns raised about the impartiality of the Speaker of the House and to prioritize the integrity of our democratic institutions.