Senator Fitz-Henley Sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary

Government Senator Abka Fitz-Henley was sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary during a ceremony at King’s House on Thursday (May 22). 

He will serve in the Office of the Prime Minister. 

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, who presided over the ceremony, congratulated Senator Fitz-Henley and urged him to give of his best in service to the nation. 

“It’s a great honour to receive someone who is young and vibrant, because it tells us that we are preparing the next generation of leaders to follow after us in our footsteps. Hopefully, we would have done well enough for them to model some aspects of leadership that is taking place now,” he said. 

The G-G expressed confidence that Senator Fitz-Henley will do well. 

“You have been trained, you are equipped educationally… we are pleased, we are proud of you and we trust that you will give of your best,” he said. 

The Governor-General encouraged Senator Fitz-Henley to conduct himself in a manner where he can serve as a positive role model, especially for the younger generation. 

“Remember that we have a number of young persons looking at you, following and want to pattern you. Please remember that individuals who are called into any form of leadership in the nation, they are expected to be models, especially for our youth.  

“I am sure you will be among the few who will stand in a way, position yourself in a way, speak in a way, do your work in a way that they can say ‘I would like to be a leader like Senator Fitz-Henley’,” he said.  

In his response, the new Parliamentary Secretary thanked Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, for the confidence reposed in him, and welcomed the counsel from the Governor-General. 

“I take those duties seriously, and I understand that this position is not one of self-aggrandisement but it requires a deep and serious commitment to advancing the interest of the people of Jamaica,” he said. 

“I want to say to the people of Jamaica that I am not one who is caught up with the trappings of office. I recognise that an appointment such as this is an opportunity to zealously seek to advance their interest and secure their well-being… .  I wish to indicate that I will comport myself in a manner that does my family, my friends and the people of Jamaica proud,” he added. 

The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Information, Skills and Digital Transformation, Senator the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon; Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte; Senate President, Tom Tavares Finson; Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda; Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with responsibility for works, Hon. Robert Morgan; and close family members and friends of Senator Fitz-Henley.