Government Senator Abka Fitz-Henley says the recent inaccurate allegation made by the People’s National Party’s Julian Robinson over FirstRock Real Estate Investments, which led to an apology by the Opposition spokesman on finance, represents “the continuation of a trend” of misleading claims made by senior members of the PNP.

Fitz-Henley, who is chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party’s Communication Taskforce, made the comment in a statement where he described Robinson’s false allegation concerning FirstRock as shameful and disappointing but not surprising.

Robinson issued an apology via social media following a letter of demand which was issued to him by lawyers for FirstRock.

But Senator Fitz-Henley says Robinson’s conduct represents the continuation of a trend where PNP spokespersons and supporters have been peddling misleading allegations without any care for accuracy and reputations they damage.

“The Opposition spokesman on finance’s conduct is not surprising though it is indeed disappointing. Ordinarily, it would have been expected that someone of Robinson’s stature in terms of his position in the shadow cabinet would have exercised diligence and made checks for accuracy before making damaging and far-reaching allegations. But his behavior represents the continuation of a toxic habit in the PNP where they make damaging statements which are distant from the truth”, Fitz-Henley reasoned.

Senator Fitz-Henley says in another jurisdiction Robinson’s conduct and the potential far-reaching implications of the false statement he made might have led to him tendering a letter of resignation from the shadow cabinet to his political bosses.

“Robinson’s conduct is not surprising because not too long ago another member of the shadow cabinet, Peter Bunting made allegations in Parliament about the government not paying a contractor and work being delayed on a school. The contractor denied it and confirmed he was paid. Bunting has not apologised. Ian Hayles alleged that the Government had issued tanks to a businessman, the businessman showed receipts confirming he purchased the items himself. Hayles has not apologised,” Fitz-Henley commented.

He noted that two other members of the shadow cabinet, Damiom Crawford and Alfred Dawes, have recently made “false and defamatory statements” and have been sued.

“Both are before the Court. They have not apologised but doubled down on the comments. I suspect they will learn the hard way as the process of litigation is pursued,” Fitz-Henley remarked.