PORTLAND, Jamaica — Saying “chinks” and “flies” were not invited to accompany him on a tour of Portland, Minister Everald Warmington on Wednesday made it clear that a member of the Opposition with political aspirations was not welcome.

“Don’t come on my tour. I don’t need you here. I am here with the Member of Parliament [Ann-Marie Vaz], that’s enough. Who invited you?” an obviously agitated Warmington ranted.

He was touring the eastern section of the parish in his capacity as Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

His ire was directed at People’s National Party councillor caretaker for the Fellowship Division and aspiring Member of Parliament for East Portland Colin Bell. Warmington was adamant that there was a clear line of engagement between local representatives and those at the MP level.

“I don’t tour with councillor and caretakers, regardless of party… I tour with the members of parliament, if you need information ask her,” he said.

Refusing to back down, Bell said he was joining a Government of Jamaica tour as a citizen of the country.

“I am a citizen of Jamaica and I want to know what is happening, I have interest in this area,” he said.

Unimpressed, Warmington told him, “Keep your interest at your yard, I am here touring with the member of parliament.”

Later in the day, Warmington sought to play down the incident but doubled down on his earlier comments that “the constitution does not recognise a caretaker”.

He added, “If a councillor caretaker wants to tour, they tour with their member of parliament or their minister, the minister of local government. Any representation to me has to come from the member of parliament; not from caretakers, not from councillors, not from councillor caretakers. That is not within my remit.”