KINGSTON, Jamaica —  Everald Warmington, the controversial Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) member of parliament for St Catherine South Western, is once again in the spotlight after an unusual display at the official swearing-in ceremony for Members of Parliament on Thursday.

Warmington arrived at Gordon House on his own, skipping the traditional march from the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) headquarters on Duke Street with his fellow JLP colleagues.

Once at the House, Warmington took his oath of office but pointedly avoided any interaction with other members.

He did not attempt to shake hands with House Speaker Juliet Holness, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, or any of his colleagues from either side of the political divide.

Immediately after being sworn-in, he walked out of the chamber much to the noticeable shock of representatives from both sides.

This latest incident comes just months after Warmington issued a public apology in July for using indecent language during a political rally in Westmoreland.

At that time, Prime Minister and JLP leader Dr Andrew Holness had urged prospective candidates to conduct themselves with the highest standards, while the People’s National Party (PNP) condemned Warmington’s remarks and even called on the police to take action.

—Brittania Witter