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Saturday, 10 November 2007
The People's National Party (PNP) continues to grapple with Phillip Paulwell and Kern Spencer, the two former Ministers who have found themselves at the centre of the Cuban light bulb controversy.
Both men were the subjects of protracted deliberations at two critical meetings of the party this weekend, but senior party members were not able to arrive at a unanimous decision.
Last month, Mr. Paulwell was appointed Opposition Spokesman on the Energy Ministry and Mr. Spencer, a junior spokesman, by Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller.
Now serious considerations are being given to removing the two from these positions.
This is pending the outcome of investigations into alleged financial irregularities into the Cuban light bulb distribution programme.
Friday evening, the committee established by Mrs. Simpson Miller met.
This was followed by a meeting of the Parliamentary Group.
It is understood that some are firmly of the view that Mr. Spencer should step aside.
But others contend that Mr. Paulwell should accompany Mr. Spencer as he had overall control of the Energy portfolio.
Most of the Parliamentary group is in favour of action against the two men.
The group is to meet again to continue its deliberations.
On Tuesday, Kern Spencer wept as Energy Minister Clive Mullings brought more information on the financial irregularities into the distribution of the four million light bulbs donated last year by the Cuban Government.
Mr. Mullings served notice that he would be notifying the Fraud Squad and would be referring the matter to the Director of Public Prosecution.
This is in addition to audits being undertaken by the Auditor General and Contractor General.
The People's National Party (PNP) continues to grapple with Phillip Paulwell and Kern Spencer, the two former Ministers who have found themselves at the centre of the Cuban light bulb controversy.
Both men were the subjects of protracted deliberations at two critical meetings of the party this weekend, but senior party members were not able to arrive at a unanimous decision.
Last month, Mr. Paulwell was appointed Opposition Spokesman on the Energy Ministry and Mr. Spencer, a junior spokesman, by Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller.
Now serious considerations are being given to removing the two from these positions.
This is pending the outcome of investigations into alleged financial irregularities into the Cuban light bulb distribution programme.
Friday evening, the committee established by Mrs. Simpson Miller met.
This was followed by a meeting of the Parliamentary Group.
It is understood that some are firmly of the view that Mr. Spencer should step aside.
But others contend that Mr. Paulwell should accompany Mr. Spencer as he had overall control of the Energy portfolio.
Most of the Parliamentary group is in favour of action against the two men.
The group is to meet again to continue its deliberations.
On Tuesday, Kern Spencer wept as Energy Minister Clive Mullings brought more information on the financial irregularities into the distribution of the four million light bulbs donated last year by the Cuban Government.
Mr. Mullings served notice that he would be notifying the Fraud Squad and would be referring the matter to the Director of Public Prosecution.
This is in addition to audits being undertaken by the Auditor General and Contractor General.