Former Government minister Floyd Green has broken his silence in apologising to the wider Jamaican public. 

In a statement just before noon on Wednesday (September 15) following his resignation as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Green promised that the “lapse in judgement would not reoccur”.

Green, whose fall from grace was captured in real-time after now-viral videos purport his involvement in mocking no-movement day on Tuesday, acknowledged that his actions were “wrong”.

Despite his Cabinet resignation, the 39-year-old Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) member remains in the House of Representatives as Member of Parliament for South West St Elizabeth.

See statement in full below:

“In 2011, I decided to get involved in representational politics because of a desire to do my part in creating a better Jamaica. It has been a very challenging journey, but I have been extremely blessed to have served as president of Generation 2000 and to be elected on two occasions to represent the people of South West St Elizabeth.

I have also been given the honour and privilege to serve as State Minister with responsibility for Youth, State Minister with responsibility for Industry and Commerce and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. 

At every step of the way, I have worked hard. I believe I have conducted myself with dignity, honesty and discipline.

I have remained transparent, above the fray of tribal politics and have treated every single person I come across with respect.

However, today, I have disappointed so many. My family including my son, my Prime Minister and most importantly, the people of Jamaica who I have sworn to serve.

No matter how briefly, and regardless of the circumstances, I should never have participated in any engagement that could indicate a lack of appreciation of the difficult and serious realities that now face the entire country.

My actions have demonstrated a lack of sensitivity for the difficult realities that all of us are facing currently.

It was wrong.

I accept that this was an error in judgement and that it sends the wrong signal especially in light of the Government’s drive to reduce the spread of COVID-19. For this, I am really and truly very sorry.

Therefore, I met this morning with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and indicated that I will withdraw from the Cabinet.

I will work hard to regain the trust and regard of the Jamaican people but 

I remain 100% committed, to serve the people of South West St Elizabeth.

I can and will promise that this lapse in judgement will not reoccur.

Again, I apologize, promise to in the future do right by the Jamaican people.”

Related articles:

• Floyd Green’s ‘no-movement’ partying puts PM in tough spot ahead of Parliament speech
• “Disgraceful Green must go”: Golding calls on Holness to fire embattled minister caught in no-movement day controversy
• Floyd Green resigns from Jamaican Cabinet