Portia calls for reinstatement of St. Elizabeth caretaker

Opposition Leader, Portia Simpson Miller is demanding that the Prime Minister orders the reinstatement of the Caretaker for Independence Park in Black River, St. Elizabeth.



Michael Bennett was fired after he failed to turn up to open the gates to the Park, when the Prime Minister, Bruce Golding arrived there by helicopter on November 9.



The police had to break off the locks for the Prime Minister and his entourage to get out.



The St. Elizabeth Parish Council, which ordered the dismissal, said Mr. Bennett was informed of Mr. Golding’s arrival.



An investigation was carried out on the instruction of the Prime Minister and found that Mr. Bennett was not informed that he would be landing there.



As a result, it was concluded that the caretaker was unfairly dismissed.



The Opposition Leader is insisting that Mr. Bennett should not lose any of his pay for the period that he has been off the job.



Mrs. Simpson Miller also said the money accrued during the period should be disbursed to Mr. Bennett in one payment.