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PNPYO adds voice to call for Hay-Webster's resignation

Published:Friday | May 27, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Junior Rose (left), acting president of the People's National Party Youth Organisation (PNPYO), and Richard 'Taz' James, PNPYO general secretary, address journalists during a press conference at the PNP's Old Hope Road, St Andrew, headquarters yesterday. - Gladstone Taylor/Photographer

The explanation proffered by member of parliament for South Central St Catherine, Sharon Hay-Webster, has failed to convince many, including some aligned to the People's National Party.

The People's National Party Youth Organisation (PNPYO) has added its voice to calls for Hay-Webster's resignation.

In comparison to the four holders of dual citizenship in the Jamaica Labour Party who were booted from their constituencies by the courts, and the PNP's Ian Hayles, Hay-Webster has been a parliamentary representative for the longest - since 1997.

change of heart

The Sunday Gleaner reported that United States diplomatic cables obtained through whistle-blower WikiLeaks revealed that Hay-Webster went to the US Embassy in the heat of the dual-citizenship debate to renounce her American citizenship, but days later decide to halt the process.

Hay-Webster claimed in a letter to The Gleaner that her change of heart was prompted by legal advice from overseas, as well as local attorneys.

However, Hay-Webster did not explain why she never divulged her change of mind to The Gleaner when asked in 2009 whether she had made good on her promise to revoke her US citizenship.

As his predecessor Damion Crawford did, acting PNPYO President Junior Rose contended that the rule of law upholds the belief that the Constitution stands supreme.

"We therefore support the calls for persons with dual citizenship to resign from the Parliament irrespective of which side of the aisle they sit," Rose said, arguing that the revelations through WikiLeaks exposed Hay-Webster as a dual citizen.