KINGSTON, Jamaica — State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, has criticised the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) for what he described as a “malicious tendency” to discredit “competent and patriotic Jamaicans” who serve in crucial posts.

His remarks came in response to a statement issued by the PNP questioning whether Ambassador Antony Anderson formally applied for the role of chief executive officer (CEO) of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) before being appointed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Wednesday.

The Opposition, referring to Anderson as a “loyal military and policing technocrat”, raised concerns about the recruitment and selection process for the post.

READ: ‘Did he apply?’: PNP raises questions over Anderson’s NaRRA appointment

In a statement issued Thursday, Fitz-Henley defended the appointment, arguing that the PNP’s framing of the appointment of Ambassador Anderson was unfortunate.

“It is well known that Major General (Ret’d) is a patriotic Jamaican, who has offered crucial service across administrations, including when he served as chief of defence staff of the Jamaica Defence Force for the majority of the duration of the tenure of the former PNP administration. The PNP’s attempt to cast aspersions upon his preparedness to serve the nation in the crucial role of NaRRA CEO is most unbecoming,” he said.

Fitz-Henley also highlighted Anderson’s qualifications, pointing out that he is a trained engineer and previously served as commanding officer of the JDF Engineer Regiment before becoming head of the army.

The minister further argued that the PNP has a history of attacking Jamaicans who accept important public service roles. He cited individuals such as Paula Llewelyn, Ambassador Rocky Meade, Kedesha Rochester, Professor Peter Blair Henry, and Dennis Chung as examples of persons he believes were unfairly targeted.

According to Fitz-Henley, the Opposition’s concerns about the NaRRA appointment process are unfounded.

“The prime minister was clear. There were approximately 85 applicants for the post of NaRRA CEO. That list came down to a shortlist of seven, of which Major General Anderson was a contender, and he emerged as the candidate which prevailed. There is also no valid questioning of the stature of members of the selection panel. Several eminent members of the selection panel have served on similar panels across administrations. The NaRRA CEO selection panel included the cabinet secretary, the Port Authority chairman and the Public Services Commission chairman,” Fitz-Henley said.