Trade Union Leaders Criticise PNP Patriots for Calling for Resignation of Health PS

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dunstan Bryan, addresses a session on ‘Transforming Jamaica’s Health System in Partnership with the Diaspora’ during the 10^th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference in Montego Bay on Monday (June 17). He is flanked by Sector Lead for Health and Wellness in the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC), Dr. Gary Rhule (left), and member of the Jamaica Nurses Group in New York, United States (US), Claudette Powell.

The People’s National Party and its professional affiliate, the Patriots, are facing fresh criticism over the group’s call for the resignation of senior civil servants in the health ministry.

The latest criticism comes from three trade union leaders.

President of the Jamaica Civil Service Association, Techa Clarke-Griffiths has been joined by former head of the Confederation of Trade Unions, Helene Davis Whyte and President of UCASE, Vincent Morrison, in objecting to the Opposition’s posture regarding the senior health officials.

More in this report from Mahiri Stewart.

Techa Clarke-Griffiths had come to the defence of Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry, Dunstan Bryan, after he faced mounting backlash online and a call for his resignation from the PNP Patriots.

On Wednesday, she was joined by Helene Davis Whyte and Vincent Morrison. Mrs. Davis Whyte says the senior members of the PNP need to rein in the Patriots.

For his part, Mr. Morrison hailed the work of Permanent Secretary Bryan and CMO, Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie. He says civil servants are protected under existing labour laws.

While all three union leaders agreed that civil servants are not above criticism and reproach, Mrs. Clarke-Griffiths says the PNP is wrong to double down on the resignation calls.

All three union leaders stressed the need for natural justice when calling for public officials to face sanctions for perceived poor performance.