The resignation of Works Minister Everald Warmington on Thursday (February 29) has renewed public discourse on the firebrand politician into a third day.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness, in a statement yesterday evening, disclosed that he accepted Warmington’s exit from the Cabinet, writing, “I thanked him for his service in that capacity and Minister Warmington expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve.”

Warmington was caught on video speaking to supporters of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) saying, “I’m the minister of works, I’m the member of parliament, no PNP councillor going spend my money.”

The ex-minister doubled down, adding that Lloyd Grant, the JLP’s losing candidate for the Old Harbour South Division, “might not be councillor but he will spend every dime”.

While welcoming the resignation, many Jamaicans expressed surprise that the Holness administration ‘finally did something’ about its unapologetically problematic statesman. The incredulous mood stemmed from arguments that Warmington had committed ‘far worse’ acts and very little was done then to reprimand him.

Respected broadcaster and journalist Dionne Jackson Miller was frustrated by Holness’ continued use of personal social media channels and not Government-run X platforms such as the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) to disseminate matters of national importance.

More social media reactions:

“Warmington HAD to go. Meadows HAD to go. But let’s be clear here, the ousting of both is NOT the same. Only one had any ‘political’ value.” One X user wrote.

“A weak response! It seems as if you begged the man to resign. The vulgar and obnoxious nature of Warmington’s comments required a stronger rebuke to show that the GOJ will not be victimizing citizens of Jamaica who exercised their franchise.”

“Parliament will not be the same without Everald”

“Well done Prime Minister, well done.”

“A big difference between resignation and being fired from your job. Anju negotiated with Warmie for him to resign. What a weak PM.”

“Not really surprised PM would take action. Happened before, twice. Unfortunate but that’s how it goes sometimes.”