Agriculture Minister, Floyd Green, on Wednesday, September 15, resigned following the emergence of a video in which he was among a group of persons at a popular hotel toasting to a no-movement day during a celebration.
Floyd Green has resigned as Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Prime Minister Holness describes the resignation as a loss to the cabinet but notes it was necessary.
This comes after public outrage on social media following a video that surfaced late Tuesday, September 14, showing Green among more than a dozen persons indulged in festivity with hardly any regard for the COVID-19 protocols; reputedly on a no-movement day.
In the video, Jamaica Labour Party, (JLP) Councillor for the Mona Division in the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation, Andrew Bellamy, and advisor in the Agriculture Ministry, Gabrielle Hylton, are also seen with green toasting to ‘no movement day’ and ‘shower labourite’ comments.
The gathering allegedly took place at a popular hotel in Kingston on Tuesday in celebration of Hylton’s birthday. Floyd green made a birthday post for Hylton on his Instagram page the same day. Green, who is also Member of Parliament for St. Elizabeth southwest, has apologized publicly for his actions.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed great disappointment at Green’s actions but says he did the right thing in resigning. However, he says it is very important that ministers exemplify what they preach adding that the situation has caused a breakdown in moral suasion, which the Government has been relying on in getting citizens to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols.
The Prime Minister says the resigned Minister will have the opportunity to work in other areas.
Bellamy has also issued a public apology and has resigned from the board of the South East Regional Health Authority, (SERHA) and as Chairman of all committees chaired at the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation, (KSAMC). Hylton has also expressed regret at her actions and has resigned from all Government boards.
The Prime Minister says he has referred the video to the Jamaica Constabulary Force. (JCF) to determine further actions to be taken. Minister Audley Shaw, who currently has portfolio responsibility for Industry and Commerce, has been asked to assume the additional responsibility for Agriculture and Fisheries.
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