Fitz-Henley accuses PNP of maligning patriotic Jamaicans

State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, is chiding the Opposition People’s National Party for what he says is its malicious tendency to attempt to smear competent and patriotic Jamaicans who serve in crucial posts.

Minister Fitz-Henley’s comments come following a statement by the PNP where it criticised the appointment of NaRRA Chief Executive Officer, Major General Antony Anderson.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the appointment of Major General Anderson to head up NaRRA during a media conference at Jamaica House on Tuesday.

However, in a statement, the PNP described the appointment as the Government appointing “a loyal military and police technocrat”.

Minister Fitz-Henley says the PNP’s framing of the appointment of Ambassador Anderson is unfortunate.

“It is well known that Major General Anderson is a patriotic Jamaican who has offered crucial service across administrations, including when he served as Chief of Defence Staff of the Jamaica Defence Force for the majority of the duration of the tenure of the former PNP administration. The PNP’s attempt to cast aspersions upon his preparedness to serve the nation in the crucial role of NaRRA CEO is most unbecoming”, Minister Fitz-Henley commented.

Fitz-Henley noted that Major General Anderson, who is currently Jamaica’s Ambassador to Washington DC, is a trained engineer and also a former Commanding Officer of the Engineer Regiment of the JDF before he rose to head the Army.

Minister Fitz-Henley says it is not the first time that the PNP has attacked patriotic and competent Jamaicans whose objective is to give credible service to their country.

“In fact, it is an unfortunate legacy of the PNP where they are ready to besmirch our patriotic countrymen and women who agree to give service in vital areas of national life. They attacked Paula Llewelyn, Ambassador Rocky Meade, Kedesha Rochester, Professor Peter Blair Henry, Dennis Chung and several other Jamaicans who are competent and committed to effective service”, Fitz-Henley commented.

Senator Fitz-Henley says the PNP’s move to question the process used to make the appointment of the NaRRA CEO has no credible basis.

‘The Prime Minister was clear. There were approximately 85 applicants for the post of NaRRA CEO. That list came down to a shortlist of seven, of which Major General Anderson was a contender, and he emerged as the candidate who prevailed. There is also no valid questioning of the stature of members of the selection panel. Several eminent members of the selection panel have served on similar panels across administrations. The NaRRA CEO selection panel included the Cabinet Secretary, the Port Authority Chairman and the Public Services Commission Chairman”, Fitz-Henley reiterated.