Baroness Calls for Withdrawal of Jamaica’s Candidature

The incumbent Commonwealth Secretary General Baroness Patricia Scotland has broken her silence, calling for Jamaica’s Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith to withdraw her candidature. Scotland expressed hopes of completing the remainder of her term without Jamaica’s interference. Nearly four weeks after Jamaica announced Senator Johnson-Smith’s candidature for the post of commonwealth secretary general, Baroness Scotland is urging Senator Johnson-Smith to withdraw from the race. 

Scotland says there’s no vacancy for the position; hence she feels the candidature is inappropriate. Prior to this call, Information Minister Robert Morgan assured the public that Senator Johnson-Smith would not withdraw. He said the act would be far from sensible, as Jamaica’s candidate is extremely competent. However, Scotland insists other nations will have a chance to put forward a candidate after she completes her term. Former Chairman of CARICOM and Antigua’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne maintains his position that Jamaica’s move to replace Scotland is a mistake. Her term is slated to end in two years. 

Reporter: Velonique Bowen