KINGSTON, Jamaica — State Minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Krystal Lee, says her recent visit to the Princess Margaret Hospital in St Thomas was for a private meeting and team introduction, and as such, an invitation was not extended to Member of Parliament for St Thomas Eastern, Rose Shaw.

“I went there to meet the team for the very first time as a newly appointed state minister…and also to look at what’s happening there. Since I’ve just gotten on board and it’s the first time that I’m going to the hospital, and it really was for a private meeting and introduction, I would not have extended that invitation,” Lee told Observer Online.

Lee’s explanation follows concerns raised by the Opposition about a move by the Government to undermine Jamaica’s democratic process, noting that individuals rejected by voters in the September 3, 2025 General Election are being facilitated to participate in activities that properly belong to elected Members of Parliament. This is after former Member of Parliament Michelle Charles was seen during the tour of the facility alongside State Minister Krystal Lee.

But Lee has since clarified that the visit was to facilitate a tour of the proposed location for a national blood collection site and maternity ward, not an official engagement.

“But something like a function or to cut ribbons or something, then of course the protocol would have been observed, which is to definitely invite the Member of Parliament. We have a proposed site now for the National Blood Collection Centre there in Princess Margaret, and we’re now looking to look at the build-out and hoping to get the funds so that we can do that,” she added.

Meanwhile, Shaw told Observer Online that she is satisfied with the explanation put forward by the state minister.

“I had a discussion with the minister of state, and I am satisfied with what she said. I think she’s just telling the truth, because I know the other person that we are dealing with, heard that the minister of state was going to tour the facility, and of such, you know, try to cash in and take over. The poor minister of state was not even aware of the whole shenanigans,” Shaw said

(Video: Llewellyn Wynter)