Perspective: CRH Conflict Of Interest … Vaz

Transparency & Accountability

Hon Daryl Vaz, was posing a pointed question to Dr. Dayton Campbell, Opposition Spokesman on Health accusing him of a conflict of interest. Vaz was not able to finish his question as there was an uproar in the House.
Dr. Dayton Campbell said: “When you work with the government you have to make full disclosure.  My being employed at Aspien, a personal health facility.”

Minister Vaz made reference to Radiology as one of the contracted services.

Dr. Campbell responded: “I am not a radiologist.

Vaz: “The conflict of interest came about as soon as the recommendation to close the CRH. (Cornwall Regional Hospital) was made, you should have made the full disclosure.” Concluded Vaz.

Apology

Dr. Dayton Campbell said “I have people who look up to me. I have children and I have people who expected better of me. I apologize if my conduct was misunderstood.”

Vaz

“I did not ask a question that I could not ask anywhere even here.  I have gotten calls commending me and also calls otherwise.  I apologize.”

Vaz and Campbell were being interviewed on a panel on CVM TV.

Commentary

There has been much public outcry due to the uproar on the CRH issue.  It is unfortunate that politicians have conducted themselves at a very low level which is carried live on TV.  The Opposition is the main culprit.

Dr. Peter Phillips

For Opposition Leader Dr. Peter Phillips to have displayed his middle fingers in Parliament is disgraceful, to say the least.  Phillips publicly apologized at a news conference today.  What a shame!

Is Phillips a fit and proper person to be a future leader of Jamaica?

The verdict is yours as usual.

Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie has a keen interest in politics, is Senior International Correspondent & Photojournalist for Vision Newspaper.