'PNP Pastor' Could Face Further Sanctions

By: Jovan Johnson

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Jovan Johnson,  Gleaner Writer

There are indications that the embattled vice president of the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) Dr Michael Harvey, could face further sanctions for his appearance on a People's National Party (PNP) platform encouraging Jamaicans to vote for the ruling party. 

Harvey, a senior pastor and vice president of the spiritual affairs at the Seventh-day Adventist institution, last week appeared before a disciplinary panel. 

He told The Gleaner/Power 106 News Centre that he expects to get a report from the panel tomorrow. 

Meanwhile, Harvey says NCU has extended his administrative leave. 

He was placed on leave for the period February 1 to 15. 

But he says the period has been extended until February 29. 

Dr Harvey says no reason has been given. 

senior pastor at NCU and vice president for spiritual affairs, Dr Michael Harvey 

Calls to the outgoing NCU president, Dr Trevor Gardner went unanswered. 

Harvey appeared at the PNP's mass rally in St Andrew on January 31 urging Jamaicans to stick with the party for the upcoming general elections.

But less than 24 hours later, his church and the NCU issued separate statements distancing themselves from his comments.

President of the Jamaica Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Everett Brown said Harvey had breached global church policy.

He said as a worker of the church, Harvey should not have been expressing views  about any candidate for office or any political party.