Jamaica's Ministry of Health & Wellness condemns racist comments directed at Diane Abbott by head of its contract partner in UK

 

 

The Ministry of Health & Wellness has joined with the diaspora in condemning recently reported racist, sexist and violent remarks against the United Kingdom's longest serving MP Diane Abbott by founder of healthcare technology firm, The Phoenix Partnership, Frank Hester.

 

Ms Abbott is of Jamaican parentage.

 

Mr Hester is reported to have said: "It's like trying not to be racist but you see Diane Abbott on the TV, and you're just like I hate, you just want to hate all black women because she's there, and I don't hate all black women at all, but I think she should be shot."

 

The Ministry of Health & Wellness signed a US$5 million contract with The Phoenix Partnership [TPP] in February last year for the implementation of an Electronic Health Records System in the public health sector.

 

In a media release on Monday the Ministry said this contract with the Government of Jamaica was undertaken after TPP's selection as the most suitable firm, following the due process of an international procurement transaction involving the IDB. 

 

The ministry says it learnt of the incident involving Mr Hester subsequent to the award of this contract, and that, following consultation with the IDB, co-financier of the contract, and the Attorney General's Chambers, it continues its monitoring of developments in this matter, now the subject of a police investigation.

 

The Ministry says it takes this matter seriously and is urging that appropriate action be taken within the firm to hold Mr. Hester accountable, based on the findings from the investigations.

 

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health & Wellness says it condemns any form of discriminatory behaviour, including racism and sexism. 

 

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