Opposition concerned about contract awarded to company of UK businessman accused of making racist comments

Opposition Spokesman on Health and Wellness, Dr Alfred Dawes, is raising questions about the Government's contract with The Phoenix Partnership (TPP) for the digitisation of electronic health records following news about alleged racist comments made by the company's owner, Frank Hester.

The UK Guardian reported on Friday that police are investigating alleged racist remarks by Hester that were directed at black UK Member of Parliament, Diane Abbott.

The investigation was triggered after the Guardian reported that Hester, told colleagues that looking at Abbott made you “want to hate all black women” and said the MP “should be shot”.

Dawes noted that while Hester's unacceptable comments have sparked widespread condemnation, protests and calls for the National Health Service to cancel their TPP contracts, the ministry of health and the Government of Jamaica have been silent on the matter.

"To add insult to injury, the fact that Hester does business in Jamaica has been used by Lord Marland as “proof” that Mr Hester cannot be racist. That the government of Jamaica is allowing its dealings with Mr Hester to be used as a rebuttal to the activism of black Britons, the Diaspora and their supporters is an egregious offence against our proud history of the struggle against oppression," Dawes stated. 

Dawes further noted that beyond the moral objections to conducting business with an alleged overt racist, there are serious concerns surrounding the procurement process of the contract.

He said the initial request for proposals invited tenders for a US$2.4 million contract, but the contract signed with TPP was valued at US$5 million.

"We are asking for clarification as to why there was a variation of over 100 per cent at a time when the MOHW (Ministry of Health and Wellness) is facing questions as to how the Cornwall Regional Hospital project has seen cost overruns costing taxpayers $20 billion up from $2 billion," Dawes said.

Dawes emphasised the urgent need for the ministry to address both the moral and financial aspects of this issue.

"The lack of transparency and accountability is unacceptable, especially considering the scrutiny from both the international community and Jamaican taxpayers," he said.

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