OCHO RIOS, St Ann — Councillor Ian Bell (People’s National Party, Beecher Town Division) rose to his feet during Thursday’s sitting of the St Ann Municipal Corporation to voice his concern about what he said is the parish’s chief medical officer (CMO) of health’s continued absence from monthly general council meetings.

“We need to hear from the chief medical officer of health as to what is the issue with St Ann why she don’t come here. It’s two year now she don’t come to a meeting, and every month she send an apology,” said Bell.

“This simply cannot work,” he added

Dr Tamika Henry and her twin sister Dr Tamara Henry-Gilpin, CMOs for St Ann and St Mary, respectively, were recently featured in the
North Coast Times, a St Ann-based publication. They were highlighted for years of work in the medical field and their unwavering commitment to shaping health care in both parishes.

However, Bell questioned Dr Henry’s work ethic.

“Since she is so dedicated and committed to her job, she should be here. This local board of health requires her presence,” he insisted.

The councillor argued that a reliance on the parish’s Chief Public Health Officer Delroy Scott to make presentations on the CMO’s behalf is ineffectual.

“On several occasions we would’ve posed questions to Mr Scott but he is not in a position to answer — and we can’t be mad at Mr Scott. When I watch TV and see the other parishes’ council meeting, the chief medical officer is reporting in every parish except St Ann,” claimed Bell.

Scott, who was at the meeting, responded to the councillor’s concern.

“I’m aware that there are some scheduling challenges that sometimes prevent her from coming but I will convey a message to her on your behalf,” he told Bell.

Chief medical officer of Health for St Ann Dr Tamika Henry