KINGSTON, Jamaica – Transport and Mining Minister and Member of Parliament for Central Clarendon, Mike Henry, has rejected a proposal for the Denbigh High School to be named after him.

In a release this evening Minister Henry stated that the name change proposal which originated from an as yet unknown source has generated a number of responses in the media landscape. Henry says the proposal which involves him as Member of Parliament for Central Clarendon without his knowledge has also created a measure of controversy.

The minister says while he supports the right of all ideas and voices to contend and to be heard, he cannot support the continuation of discussions of an issue when the matter has certain undertones. He says he finds some aspects of the raging debate very unpleasant. This includes the issues being in danger of being politicized and the innocent party (the students attending Denbigh High School), may be negatively impacted by the debate being continued in the media.

In breaking his silence on the matter Henry, says he hopes his position will put the matter to rest, so that the noble institution will continue to focus on educating the children of Clarendon and prepare them to become world citizens.

He says any part he has played in the development of Denbigh High School, must be seen as the duty and vision of any political representative.

Henry says in that regard he has not sought, and with respect, will not accept if offered, the signal honour of Denbigh High School to be named the Mike Henry High School.