PNP Doubles Down on Criticism of Leadership of Health Ministry

People’s National Party, PNP, general secretary, Dr. Dayton Campbell, is doubling down on his criticism of the performance of Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dunstan Bryan.

In a statement on Wednesday, Dr. Campbell, says the party’s comments about Mr. Bryan are not to be interpreted as an attack on the civil service.

Shaloy Smikle has that story.

As the war of words between the two political parties continues over the state of the public health system, several senior civil servants have been dragged into the controversy.

The PNP’s professional affiliate organisation, The Patriots, has called for the resignation of both Mr. Bryan and Chief Medical Officer Jacquiline-Bisasor McKenzie.

It’s a move roundly chastised by the Jamaica Civil Service Association, JCSA, which has cautioned against placing undue partisan pressure on civil servants.

In a response on Wednesday, PNP General Secretary, Dr. Dayton Campbell, says the party stands firmly with the civil servants and healthcare workers who are increasingly burdened by the under-resourced and understaffed public healthcare sector.

The PNP says it is instead calling upon the government, the minister, and the specific accounting officers in the ministry to address the issues of deep-seated impunity and the poor stewardship of the portfolio.

Dr. Campbell points to the failure of the ministry to account for $700 billion in appropriations over the last decade as one area of serious concern.

He called out Permanent Secretary Bryan specifically.