Former PSOJ Head Howard Mitchell, Run From Or Was Dropped From NHF Board?

Prime Minister Andrew Holness

It was reported earlier this year that a newspaper columnist, claimed that she was told that former Chairman of the NHF had suggested to Health Minister Christopher Tufton that Vybze Kartel  should be engaged to write a song for the Covid-19 vaccine campaign. I found the idea to be quite repugnant when I heard about it them.

The former President of the Private Sector Organization of Jamaican as far as I know, did not disassociate himself from this suggestion of using Vybz Kartel to promote the Covid-19 vaccine. Like many Jamaicans, I became outraged that the idea could have been conceived of in the first place.

I asked in a blog that those who mooted this suggestion should have resigned immediately. I felt that one could not have someone in a government position and be associated with the idea of having Vybze Kartel being used in the Covid-19 vaccine campaign. 

You might recall that Prime Minister Andrew Holness was asked about his position on the matter of having Vybes Kartel support the Covid-19 campaign. He gave what I felt was a general response to the question about using Kartel in the Covid-19 vaccine campaign. The Prime Minister came under heavy criticism because many expected him to state categorically that he did not support this idea. I don't know the Prime Minister's mind, but I believe his response was a diplomatic one at the time which ended up eroding his political capital. The Prime Minister was being asked to comment on a matter which was the purview of one of his Ministers. We should note also that the Chairman of the NHF Board was reported in the media as having a position on this matter.

Howard Mitchell

Mr. Howard Mitchell has now resigned as NHF Chairman. Did my Barking The Trute along with others, precipitated this action? I am happy to note that he has resigned. He must be congratulated on his contribution to the state, but there comes a time when one has to move on. I wish others who missstep or missspeak would also step aside.

Note: The PM did not say he supported the idea of using Kartel in the vaccine campaign, The article in one magazine said the PM would support the use of any well thinking Jamaican. I don't think that Kartel fall's in that category!!!

Moving forward, public officials must be very careful of their public statements and they should also be careful of those who have a habit of misquoting them!

Other Readings:

• Kartel Backers should resign - Bark Di Trute.
• Carolyn Cooper reports on Howard Mitchell position.
• The article which  could have misled the public about the  PM's position.
• Bloggers slam 'outrageous' Kartel suggestion for vax campaign Jamaica Observer
• Carolyn Cooper | BroGad better beg Vybz Kartel fi help him - Jamaica Gleaner

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