Richard Azan returns to former job at the Ministry of Works

Less than two months after he resigned over the Spalding Market affair, Richard Azan is to return as State Minister in the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing. Mr. Azan will be sworn in this Thursday at 9:00 o'clock at King's House.
Luther Buchanan who was assigned to replace Mr. Azan is heading back to his previous post as State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister.
Mr. Azan's reinstatement follows a September 26 ruling by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) that no criminal charges be laid against him in the Spalding Market issue.
Paula Llewellyn, DPP, said after perusing and analyzing all the material provided, she did not see any basis for charges.
The DPP's ruling was issued nearly one week after Mr. Azan resigned as Minister of State amid public pressure.

And the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) said it may be premature to reappoint Mr. Azan as a State Minister given the controversy which surrounded the Spalding Market affair.
Dr. Horace Chang, General Secretary, on Wednesday night gave an initial reaction.

“He was cleared of all illegal activities and therefore is obviously cleared to assume any position in government. But political leadership and representation ought to be governed by higher standard, and it would be a bit early to restored to his substantive post given all the controversy and the issue raised even though they were below the bar of public prosecution,” said Dr. Chang.

In the meantime, the special audit of the Clarendon Parish Council has been completed.
This was confirmed by Scean Barnswell, chairman of the Council,
In September, the Ministry of Local Government asked its Internal Audit Unit to conduct the probe following the release of a report by the Office of the Contractor-General on the construction of shops at the Spalding Market.
Mr. Barnswell is awaiting the results of the audit.