Fake news!
That’s how Edmund Hinkson has described reports circulating on social media that he plans to demit office as Member of Parliament for St James North before the end of the year.
“What is being widely circulated today about me resigning before the end of this year is fake news, just as much as the fake news which has been circulating over the last week about other national state of affairs. I can only imagine that it emanates from opposition elements trying to fly a kite with no wind blowing,” Hinkson, who is also Chairman of the Government’s National Advisory Committee to Guide the Establishment of a Commission on Disabilities, told Barbados TODAY in a statement in which he insisted that he had no plan to step down.
“A general election was held less than eight months ago with the people of St. James North returning me to Parliament with the second highest percentage of votes after only the Prime Minister. Just last week, I took Minister Charles Griffith to Weston in an impetus of my desire to have a mini sports facility constructed somewhere along the coast in my constituency.
“I continue to advocate for many roads in my constituency to be repaired, the Weston fish market to be renovated in the near future, and drainage issues to continue to be resolved as has been started by the Public Works Ministry.”
On Tuesday, a message was circulated on social media indicating that a by-election was imminent in St James North, as Hinkson had indicated to Prime Minister and political leader of the Barbados Labour Party Mia Amor Mottley that he intended to step down.
“He has also stated his intention to support the candidacy of longstanding friend of St James North Dr Danielle Reid-Melillo, displacing candidate hopeful and Minister of Tourism Senator Lisa Cummins. An announcement is expected to be made to the branch in the coming days ahead of the October-slated Annual Conference of the Barbados Labour Party,” the report claimed.
However, Hinkson made it clear that he does not plan on going anywhere anytime soon as he has much work to do for his constituency and the country. “Through my Foundation [The Clarkson Foundation], I just concluded a highly successful life and work skills programme, with close to 50 constituents graduating last month and many of them having already found employment after the programme started in May. I am also actively assisting in ensuring that over a hundred children from disadvantaged homes in my constituency are able to return to school in full uniform in two weeks’ time,” he said.
At the national level, the former Minister of Home Affairs added, he is committed to seeing Rights of Persons with Disabilities legislation through Parliament as a Member of the Lower House and as Chairman of the National Advisory Committee to Guide the Establishment of a Commission on Disabilities.
“We are commencing town hall meetings next Thursday and look forward to wide participation by the Barbadian public, both at home and in the diaspora. Finally, I look forward to welcoming the Honourable Prime Minister to St James together with my two parish colleagues Members of Parliament, for Rubbing Shoulders on the 26th and to Parish Speaks on the 28th of this month,” Hinkson added.
