Prominent former media practitioner, Abka Fitz-Henley, has been appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Fitz-Henley’s appointment to the Upper House of the Jamaican Parliament comes as the head of government and Jamaica Labour Party leader moves to shake-up his three-year-old administration.
A statement on Thursday afternoon from the Office of the Prime Minister confirmed the appointment. Fitz-Henley is expected to be sworn in when the Senate meets on Friday.
At 34-years-old, Fitz-Henley will be the youngest currently serving Government Senator.
Fitz-Henley, who began his media career at 20-years-old and remained in broadcast media for over a decade where he gained prominence and racked up several awards while earning the moniker ‘the Breaking News Boss’. He surprised listeners approximately eighteen months ago when he announced that he was walking away from the vocation to pursue other interests.
When contacted Thursday, Fitz-Henley referred our news centre to a prepared statement where he said he welcomes his new upcoming role with humility and a readiness to further contribute positively to Jamaica.
Fitz-Henley also offered positive words in the direction of Prime Minister Holness.
“I am confident that Prime Minister Holness will continue to capably and skilfully navigate our country on the path towards economic independence and equal opportunity”, he said.
“I am appreciative of all well-wishers, including constructive critics, who have over the years taken the time to provide encouragement. Indeed, I am humbled by and deeply respectful of the various offers to continue serving in the journalism field which have come at intervals since my decision to withdraw from mainstream media. The decision to pursue other interests has not been taken lightly”, Senator Fitz-Henley commented.
The first term Government Senator said he is bullish about Jamaica’s future. Fitz-Henley concluded his statement by saying he looks forward to serving his country “during this important phase of national development, via the Parliament, which is crucial to the good functioning of our relatively young but thriving democracy”.
When he takes his seat in the Senate, Fitz-Henley will be the second member of his family to serve in one of the two chambers in the Jamaican Parliament. His first cousin Sharon Hay-Webster had served for three terms as Member of Parliament for South Central St. Catherine before she walked out of the then Portia Simpson Miller-led PNP and joined the Jamaica Labour Party.
Fitz-Henley follows former Cabinet Minister, the late Ambassador Anthony Johnson, former PNP General Secretary and ex-Information Minister Colin Campbell and North Central Clarendon Member of Parliament, Robert Morgan, as former media practitioners, who’ve made the foray into the political arena.
SEE FULL STATEMENT BELOW FROM ABKA FITZ-HENLEY
Upcoming Service in the Upper House of Jamaica’s Parliament
Approximately a year and a half ago, I disclosed that I had taken a break from broadcast media to reflect and decide what’s next. I also indicated that the process of reflection could perhaps conclude with me pursuing other interests and that I would provide an update as soon as a decision is made.
That extended break may be contemplated as my de facto retirement from broadcast media. I had initially mulled giving seven years to media but as fate would have it, I had the privilege of serving for well over a decade. I am grateful to have had the opportunity.
I am pleased to confirm that I have agreed to serve in the upper house of the Jamaican Parliament as a Senator and am honoured by the recommendation made accordingly to Governor General His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen by Prime Minister, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness ON, PC, MP.
My new upcoming role is welcomed with humility and a readiness to further contribute positively to Jamaica, even as I am confident that Prime Minister Holness will continue to capably and skilfully navigate our country on the path towards economic independence and equal opportunity for all
I am appreciative of all well-wishers, including constructive critics, who have over the years taken the time to provide encouragement. Indeed, I am humbled by and deeply respectful of the various offers to continue serving in the journalism field which have come at intervals since my decision to withdraw from mainstream media. The decision to pursue other interests has not been taken lightly.
I am bullish about Jamaica’s future. I look forward to serving my country during this important phase of national development, via the Parliament, which is crucial to the good functioning of our relatively young but thriving democracy.
