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Jamaica: Transport and Works Minister resigns
The shoreline work is being done by a Chinese company, China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., under a US$65.3 million contract awarded by the National Works Agency. The project began in September 2010. Other roads are being repaired with US$340 million in loans from the state-owned Export-Import Bank of China.
Government opponents are calling for more heads to fall.
Peter Phillips, a finance spokesman for the opposition People’s National Party, said Finance Minister Audley Shaw had helped keep the massive roadwork project off the national budget to avoid parliamentary scrutiny.
In a statement three days before his resignation, Henry said the opposition claims were “panic-driven escapades” to tar the government ahead of elections.
Information Minister Arthur Williams said Holness’ office would release a statement about Henry’s resignation and possible successor later Wednesday.
Henry has been a parliamentarian for the central Clarendon district since 1980. He also has served as minister of tourism and agriculture and minister of state for information.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
