No early resignation – MP now struggling to walk independently
August 11, 2019Member of Parliament for St Catherine North West Robert Pickersgill struggled to walk independently during the official opening of the Shady Grove Police Station in his constituency on August 9, confirming claims that he is physically unwell.
His political proteje, Hugh Graham, was seen assisting him in moving about the station compound where the opening ceremony was held.
At the end of the event, Pickersgill sat on a chair in the reception area of the police station – apparently unable to accompany other dignitaries who were touring the new multi-million-dollar facility.
“It is a back injury that I am recuperating from,” he told The Beacon in an energetic tone.
He continued: “God has been kind in that regard because all the relevant tests have been done… I have passed the trespassing stage which is 70 years – three score years and 10, so I am really a trespasser. I am not doing badly as a trespasser; it could be much worse.”
Pickersgill further stated that he does not intend to resign as Member of Parliament before the next general election.
“The only way that a by-election can come is if I die or I resign. I cannot decide whether or not I will die, but I have decided that I am not retiring before [the general election],” he further said.
“Comrade Hugh Graham is now the [People’s National Party constituency] chairman and candidate of North West St Catherine; that is a settled matter and he is doing quite well.”
Pickersgill, who has won seven consecutive elections in the constituency, previously announced that he will not seek re-election at the end of his current term.
However, Jamaica Labour Party caretaker in St Catherine North West, Newton Amos, recently called for Pickersgill to step down and facilitate a by-election. Amos, at the time, argued that Pickersgill has been a deadbeat Member of Parliament.
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