State Minister Joseph Harmon yesterday declined to say whether government has spoken to Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence about controversial statements she made recently at the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Region Four District Conference, while noting that it is up to the party to address the matter and take action if necessary.
During a post-Cabinet press briefing, Harmon was asked whether anyone from the government, inclusive of President David Granger, has spoken to Lawrence, who is the PNCR Chairperson, about her comments.
Lawrence, while addressing supporters at Congress Place on November 25th, suggested that party officials elected to public offices should show preference to fellow party members in hiring and in the award of contracts. She also insinuated that the party is aiming to bring persons looking a certain way into its folds. In a statement released on Thursday, Lawrence stood by her views on the issue of jobs and unemployment and did not address the specific comments in relation to hiring party members.
