Government Senator Abka Fitz-Henley Defends Police Promotion, Accuses Opposition of Hypocrisy
In a spirited address to Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters, Government Senator Abka Fitz-Henley fiercely defended the recent promotion of former journalist, now Senior Superintendent of Police, Dennis Brooks. The meeting, held by the JLP youth affiliate, Young Jamaica, at the University of the West Indies Mona Campus, was punctuated by sharp criticism aimed at the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), specifically targeting Opposition Senator Peter Bunting.
Senator Fitz-Henley accused the PNP of attempting to undermine the reputation of dedicated Jamaicans without any credible evidence, in their pursuit of political gain. His comments came in response to Senator Bunting’s remarks at a PNP meeting in St Elizabeth, where Bunting labeled Brooks’s promotion as “strange” and insinuated that working at a "friendly media house" was seemingly a pathway to advancement within the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
Fitz-Henley, drawing on his background as a former broadcast journalist, dismissed these claims as hypocritical. He recounted his time in media, highlighting his reputation for fairness which made him a trusted figure for both JLP and PNP members seeking to share stories. The senator took offense at the notion of media bias, especially from those who he claimed had previously relied on the very media entities they were now criticizing.
“These are guys who appear prepared to, without credible basis, trample and mess up the reputation of hard-working and honest Jamaicans who do well for themselves,” Fitz-Henley asserted, addressing the crowd with fervor.
He further emphasized that many of those critical voices within the PNP had themselves utilized the media channels they now disparage. Such actions, he argued, reveal a willingness to damage reputations purely for political leverage. Fitz-Henley concluded with a pointed warning to the opposition, stating, “Don’t draw me out because I will talk di tings and expose the hypocrisy,” eliciting vigorous applause from those gathered.
The controversy underscores the intensifying political rivalry between the JLP and PNP, further fueling discussions on the interplay between media and political influence in Jamaica. As the situation develops, both parties remain in the spotlight, scrutinized for their engagements and the narratives they propagate in the public domain.
