Jackson wants Holness to make ‘unequivocal public apology’ to Valrie Curtis

Opposition lawmaker Fitz Jackson has called for Speaker of the House of Representatives Juliet Holness to make an “unequivocal public apology” to former clerk to the houses of parliament Valrie Curtis.

In his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Parliament this afternoon, Jackson said in his more than 30 years as a member of parliament he has never seen what he described as an “unfortunate action against a staff of parliament” who has provided quality service to the country.

In April, the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) joined civil society groups and some public commentators who called for the Speaker to withdraw a controversial letter she wrote to Curtis and to tender a public apology.

In that letter, Holness accused the former clerk of gross dereliction of duty and bringing the Parliament into disrepute.

Jackson, who registered his disappointment “in the treatment inflicted on the former clerk”, said the action of Holness has left “a stain on the reputation of the Speaker's chair.

“And no subtle attempt at avoidance will cause it to disappear. Only a straight and unequivocal public apology can make for sanitising of what was done to her, by your action. I implore the Speaker, to do the right thing, the Lord will bless you for doing so, and we all will say, AMEN!”

In late March, Holness accused the then Clerk of failing to adhere to the Speaker's ruling and applicable procedures in relation to the tabling of reports on public bodies sent by the Auditor General's Department.

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