On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, Government Minister Everald Warmington toured the Fellowship Division in the East Portland constituency with the member of Parliament, Ann-Marie Vaz. Warmington had come to town to examine infrastructure and the deplorable condition of the roads that citizens have been demonstrating about for months.
During the tour, somebody informed Warmington that PNP councilor-caretaker Colin Bell was present. Warmington blatantly objected, saying he would only undertake the tour with the member of Parliament Ann-Marie Vaz and the necessary officials.
“A caretaker is not recognized in the Constitution. You don’t follow my tour. … I don’t tour with councilor-caretakers, regardless of their party. I am touring with the member of parliament. If you want some information, then ask her. This is not a political tour,” Warmington told Bell.
Everald Warmington
Bell plans to run against Ann-Marie Vaz for the seat, and he argues that as a Jamaican citizen, he has the right to stay informed about what is happening in the Fellowship division.
“Close your eyes if you don’t want to see me. I am here. This is a Government of Jamaica tour. Mi a share my interest,” Bell told Warmington.
Colin Bell
Warmington told Bell to keep his interest in his yard. And he questioned who had invited Bell on tour.
“When I’m touring and looking at infrastructure, I tour with the people’s elected representative. I don’t want to tour with whether constituency or divisional caretakers or the councilors. The Constitution does not recognize a caretaker. If a councilor-caretaker or councilor wants to tour, let them tour with their member of parliament,” he said.
Everald Warmington
“Any representation to me has to come from the member of parliament, not the councillor or the councillor-caretaker,” Warmington added.
Everald Warmington