KINGSTON, Jamaica – Opposition MPs yesterday criticised junior minister, Sharon Folkes Abraham, for using a People’s National Party (PNP) slogan to headline her PowerPoint presentation, in her contribution to the State of the Constituency Debate in the House of Representatives yesterday.

The slogan which read, “PNP Progress Agenda for Jamaica”, was brought to the attention of the Speaker, Michael Peart, by the MP for Western Kingston, Desmond McKenzie, shortly after she started speaking.

”Mr Speaker, on a Point of Order: Is it appropriate that in the Parliament, we can have a sign, ‘PNP Progressive Agenda for Jamaica’?” McKenzie asked.

“What is taking place in the Parliament, Mr Speaker? Are we using the Parliament to promote the PNP? Is this about the PNP, or about the people’s business? What is happening, Mr Speaker,” he went on.

“Take it easy Take it easy,” Peart responded, before seeking an explanation from Ffolkes Abrahams, MP for West Central St James.

“Sorry that was not supposed to be there,” she reacted, and went on with her presentation.

But, Opposition member for South Western St Catherine, Everald Warmington, felt that was not good enough.

“Mr Speaker, I am asking that it be removed, before she continues. The sign must be removed before she continues…This House is supposed to be non-political. We are MPs: We do not represent parties in here. I am asking that it be removed before she continues,” Warmington insisted.

They were supported by Opposition MPs Karl Samuda (North Central St Andrew) and Mike Henry (Central Clarendon)

“Okay, Mrs Folkes Abrahams?” the Speaker said, asking her to remove offending illustration.

“The Parliament don’t belong to PNP. It belongs to the people of Jamaica and you are being disrespectful,” McKenzie informed her.

Balford Henry