Fitz-Henley rejects criticism of Anderson appointment, accuses PNP of ‘maligning patriotic Jamaicans’

Jamaica's State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, has strongly criticized the People's National Party (PNP) for what he termed a "malicious tendency" to discredit competent Jamaicans serving in key roles. His remarks were a direct response to the PNP's questioning of Ambassador Antony Anderson's appointment as chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

The opposition party had specifically queried whether Anderson, described as a "loyal military and policing technocrat," had formally applied for the NaRRA CEO position before being selected. Fitz-Henley, however, defended the appointment, calling the PNP's framing "unfortunate." He emphasized Anderson's status as a "patriotic Jamaican" with extensive service across administrations, including a significant tenure as chief of defence staff under a previous PNP government.

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It is well known that Major General (Ret’d) is a patriotic Jamaican, who has offered crucial service across administrations, including when he served as chief of defence staff of the Jamaica Defence Force for the majority of the duration of the tenure of the former PNP administration. The PNP’s attempt to cast aspersions upon his preparedness to serve the nation in the crucial role of NaRRA CEO is most unbecoming.

Fitz-Henley further bolstered his defense by detailing Anderson's qualifications, noting his background as a trained engineer and his prior leadership roles within the Jamaica Defence Force. The minister also accused the PNP of a pattern of attacking individuals who accept important public service positions, citing other prominent figures he believes have been unfairly targeted. Fitz-Henley asserted that the concerns about the NaRRA appointment process are unfounded, stating that Anderson was one of 85 applicants who was shortlisted to seven, and ultimately prevailed. He also vouched for the integrity of the selection panel, which included high-ranking officials such as the cabinet secretary, Port Authority chairman, and Public Services Commission chairman.

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The prime minister was clear. There were approximately 85 applicants for the post of NaRRA CEO. That list came down to a shortlist of seven, of which Major General Anderson was a contender, and he emerged as the candidate which prevailed. There is also no valid questioning of the stature of members of the selection panel. Several eminent members of the selection panel have served on similar panels across administrations. The NaRRA CEO selection panel included the cabinet secretary, the Port Authority chairman and the Public Services Commission chairman.