No political interference in Valerie Germain issue

Health Minister, Dr. Fenton Ferguson, says he does not want any  political interference, in the Valerie Germaine case.

Mrs. Germaine was interdicted last November, when the JLP was in power.

The PNP, of which Dr. Ferguson is a member, had raised the issue of Mrs. Germaine's re-instatement on the political platform, in the run-up to last December’s, General Election.

PNP Leader, Portia Simpson-Miller had said, should the party form the government after the elections, it would ensure that Mrs. Germaine resumed her duties, as a public sector pharmacist.

Valerie Germaine, a Scientific Officer in the Health Ministry has been interdicted or sent home with half pay since last November.

She is also President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica.

Her interdiction had been linked to her criticism of government’s handling of public sector pharmacists and the understaffing of public sector pharmacies on which she commented negatively.

While in Opposition, the PNP had given a commitment to have a review of the Valerie Germaine case.

Dr. Ferguson says, when the PNP took up office four months ago, the Public Service Commission had the matter under consideration.

He adds that the government has the highest regard for ensuring the integrity of the process, adding that the government wants to see closure, in a manner consistent with the principle of natural justice.

He states that he doesn't want political interference in the case.

Dr. Ferguson commented on the matter at a press conference this morning (May 4) on his first 100 days in office.