THE Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW) Monday joined with the Diaspora in condemning recently reported racist, sexist and violent remarks about UK Member of Parliament Diane Abbott made by head of The Phoenix Partnership (TPP) Frank Hester.

In February 2023 TPP was contracted to implement Jamaica’s electronic health records. This contract with the Government of Jamaica, said a ministry statement, was undertaken after TPP’s selection as the most suitable firm, following the due process of an international procurement transaction involving IDB.

“Subsequent to the award of this contract the MOHW learnt of this incident. Following consultation with the IDB (Inter-American Development Bank), co-financier of the contract, and the Attorney General’s Chambers, the MOHW continues its monitoring of developments in this matter, which is now the subject of a police investigation,” the ministry said.

“The MOHW takes this matter very seriously and calls for appropriate action to be taken within the firm to hold Mr Hester accountable, based on the findings from the investigations,” the ministry said.

“The MOHW condemns any form of discriminatory behaviour, including racism and sexism. The MOHW remains committed to promoting a culture of respect, equality, and understanding within the MOHW and throughout our business relationships,” the ministry added.

Hester is alleged to have said that Abbott — Britain’s longest-serving black MP who has Jamaican heritage — made him “want to hate all black women” and that she “should be shot”.

Abbott described Hester’s comments, made in 2019, as “frightening” and “alarming” given the murders of lawmakers Jo Cox and David Amess in recent years.

Earlier Monday, Dr Alfred Dawes, Opposition spokesman on health, urged urging the ministry to provide transparency regarding its contract with TPP for the digitisation of electronic health records.

“Beyond the moral objections to conducting business with an overt racist, there are serious concerns surrounding the procurement process of the contract. The initial request for proposals invited tenders for a US$2.4-million contract and yet the contract signed with TPP was valued at US$5 million. We are asking for clarification as to why there was a variation of over 100 per cent at a time when the MOHW is facing questions as to how the Cornwall Regional Hospital project has seen cost overruns costing taxpayers $20 billion, up from $2 billion.

Dawes said there is an urgent need for the ministry to address both the moral and financial aspects of this issue.

“The lack of transparency and accountability is unacceptable, especially considering the scrutiny from both the international community and Jamaican taxpayers,” he said.