KINGSTON, Jamaica— A future People’s National Party (PNP) Government will implement a policy that will require all foreign bidders for Government of Jamaica (GoJ) contracts to declare any participation they may have had in any racist practice in any jurisdiction that they have operated in, or are currently operating in.

“If they have been so involved, or found to be so involved, they will be disqualified,” said Fitz Jackson, the Opposition spokesman for matters related to Portmore. Jackson, a veteran lawmaker, was speaking Tuesday during his contribution to the 2024/25 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives.

He was speaking against the background of the recent uproar that followed the awarding of a GOJ contract to The Phoenix Partnership (TPP), a United Kingdom company that is headed by Frank Hester.

Hester was accused of making racist and sexist remarks against UK Member of Parliament (MP), Diane Abbott, who has Jamaican heritage.

Following the outcry, and criticism of the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOHW), the ministry released a statement on March 25 stating that it joined with the diaspora in condemning Hester’s remarks.

In a release, the ministry explained that in February 2023, TPP was contracted to implement Jamaica’s Electronic Health Records (EHR) system. The ministry said the contract with the GoJ was undertaken after TPP’s selection as the most suitable firm following the requisite process of an international procurement transaction involving the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The ministry said that subsequent to the awarding of the contract, the reported statement from Hester came to its attention.

“Following consultation with the IDB, 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 health 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 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 release added.

Jackson told the House that the provisions of a racist policy under a PNP government will be such that they indemnify the GOJ from any financial liabilities resulting from the termination of such contracts, along with all other necessary safeguards.

“The historic stance of the PNP against racism has never been from a position of convenience, but one of principle for which we will never resile or acquiesce,” said Jackson, while pointing to the Hester case.

“It is close to us because profits from Jamaican taxpayers here are nurturing such businesses to propagate their racism against our own people,” Jackson stated.

He commended the MOHW for its statement condemning the reported racist and sexist remarks levelled at Abbott. However, Jackson is insisting that it does not go far enough.

“To rely on the company to take appropriate action against its beneficial owner goes nowhere,” he said.