JAMAICA | PNP Again calls for Transparency in the Health Ministry, while PNP UK Writes to Rishi Sunak over Frank Hester's Racism

KINGSTON, Jamaica. March 27, 2024: Shadow Minister of Health, Dr. Alfred Dawes, has reiterated his concerns regarding the handling of the contract with The Phoenix Partnership (TPP) by the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW). 

Despite previous expressions of apprehension, Dr. Dawes has emphasised that the matter has not been addressed with the requisite gravity it deserves.

In a statement today, Dr. Dawes said that “The weak press release from the MOHW and the deafening silence of the Minister does not sit well with Jamaicans at home and abroad.

In addition to being an anaemic response to the subject of Jamaican business being used as a stamp of approval for the racist Hester’s character, the release failed to address the matter of how a Request for Proposals for a USD2.4m contract morphed into the announcement of a USD 5 million contract being signed and handed to Hester, after the elimination of other bidders.”

Regarding the process deviation, Dr. Dawes questions, “On no less than three occasions in a meeting with interested parties, it was minuted that the $2.4M bid should include all aspects of implementation for a fixed number of facilities for a 3-year period. The country needs to know… when and on whose instructions was this changed?”

Dr. Dawes raised a broader concern about the Ministry of Health’s  historical pattern of designing selection criteria to favor certain contractors, potentially leading to conflicts of interest and corruption.

He has noted that without clarification on the substantial deviation in contract value or justification for the RFP's departure from industry best practices, an inquiry by the Auditor General may be warranted.

In light of ongoing investigations into similar partnerships by the PNP’s Health Task Force, Dr. Dawes emphasised the Opposition's commitment to demanding transparency and accountability in MOHW's contract awards and regulatory procedures. With numerous high-value projects underway or forthcoming under MOHW leadership, Dr. Dawes stresses the imperative of stringent oversight to ensure public trust.

PNPUK Stands Against Racism and Misogyny in Healthcare

In the meantime, Chairman of  the PNP in the United Kingdom (PNP UK), Gareth Gilfillian, has written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressing serious concerns over recent racist and misogynistic comments attributed to the head of the Phoenix Partnership, Frank Hester.

The letter urged the British government to address these issues promptly to safeguard the well-being of all individuals, particularly Black women, who may be adversely affected by such discriminatory behaviour.

The letter emphasised the dangerous implications of racism and misogyny, especially in healthcare services, and has called for a review or revocation of the NHS contract with Hester's company.

"The recent alleged comments attributed to Mr. Hester are deeply concerning and have dangerous implications, particularly in the healthcare sector," Gilfillian stated. "We cannot tolerate racism and misogyny, especially when they impact the health and well-being of Black women, who already face significant challenges in accessing quality healthcare,"  Gilfillian stressed.

In addition to advocating for accountability regarding Hester's alleged comments,  the PNP UK has called for assurances of support and protection for Black female MPs, including Diane Abbott, who face threats and abuse.

Gilfillian emphasised the need for political leaders to take a stand against racism and misogyny and ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their background.

-30-