Warmington apologizes, clarifies controversial comments

STATEMENT:

“As the Minister without Portfolio in Member of Parliament for South West St. Catherine, I acknowledge the public’s concerns regarding my recent comments about resource allocation.

“I realize that my statements on funding for Members of Parliament and Councillors have been misunderstood in public discourse. It was never my intention to imply that a duly elected Councillor should be denied rightful funding for their municipal division. I want to clarify: my remarks were focused on the established practice that MPs direct funds for Constituencies, while Councillors direct funds from the Municipal Council. These are distinct and separate channels.

“Regarding the use of the term ‘my money’, I want to make it clear that I do not consider state funds allocated to constituencies as personal assets. These funds, allocated by the Central Government and directed in part by MPs, belong to the Jamaican taxpayers. My reference to ‘my money’ was intended to describe these allocations that I, in my role as MP, help oversee. It should also be noted that as MP I do spend my personal resources on constituency matters.

“To the extent that my comments, which were made in the heat of the moment and perhaps could have been more clearly stated, have been misinterpreted as endorsing victimization, I unequivocally reject any such sentiment.

“I recognize that I am Member of Parliament for all my constituencies and as Minister represent the entire Jamaica.

“I appreciate this opportunity to clarify my position and remain committed to serving my constituents.

“I therefore unequivocally withdraw the statement and apologize to the people of Jamaica.”

Click video below to watch Warmington’s controversial comments.