Joan Gordon-Webley has fended off claims that the NSWMA is operating with political motives. - File

WESTERN BUREAU:

Executive director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Joan Gordon-Webley, has denied allegations that her agency has politicised its work in the northwestern parish of Hanover.

Gordon-Webley described as "groundless" claims that were made by mayor of Lucea, Lloyd Hill, and member of parliament for Western Hanover, Ian Hayles, during a press conference at the Hanover Parish Council on Tuesday afternoon.

The men, who are both affiliated with the Opposition People's National Party, contend that NSWMA workers had been sourced mainly from outside the parish and those from within Hanover are led primarily by a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) activist.

They also claimed that drain-cleaning and beautification exercises - which were reportedly planned and were being executed by the council - were being undertaken by the agency.

"The MP should be applauding us. Is it that he does not want Hanover to be cleaned?" the NSWMA boss told The Gleaner in a subsequent telephone interview. "Shame on him!"

Gordon-Webley demanded to know the specific names of JLP workers who had allegedly been given preference by her agency.

"Hanover is suffering from lack of employment. Bringing in outside employment is unacceptable," said Hayles.

"We do not get back 30 per cent of revenue that we pay in taxes in Hanover."

Gordon-Webley also made reference to a letter she had written to Hayles and other MPs on March 16.

In a copy of the letter received by The Gleaner, the NSWMA boss outlined plans for beautification work in Hanover for one weekend and asked for cooperation from the MP. The correspondence asked that Hayles provide information on particular locations where the agency's services will be required.

She said Hayles has not responded.

Hill also alleges that Gordon-Webley was interested in contesting the Western Hanover seat for the JLP.

"If these allegations are true, I would expect that Mrs Webley would come public and make this announcement and resign as executive director of the Solid Waste Management. If these allegations are not true, she also needs to come public and say that it is not true," the mayor said.

"Sometime last year, a gentleman who was working for years, covering the entire parish with limited resources, at the Solid Waste Manage-ment, was suddenly fired and (then) two known JLP activists were employed. One was someone who contested the parish council election against me in my division."

Hayles declared that he wants the contractor general to investigatethe matter.

"If (Mrs Gordon-Webley) plans on running for the constituency of Western Hanover for the JLP, come out and say so!" he said. "Do not use the funds of the state in promoting oneself and in promoting a political agenda."

Bringing in outside employment is unacceptable

- Hayles

( L - R ) Hill, Hayles