MP's daughter apologises to journalist over hacking statement, makes out-of-court settlement
Sunday, August 23, 2015 | 10:19 AM, Source
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The daughter of Government Member of Parliament Dr DK Duncan has apologised to Nationwide Radio journalist Abka Fitz-Henley over hacking allegations she made against him on social media websites Twitter and Facebook.
Dr Khia Duncan has also reached an out-of-settlement with Fitz-Henley over the matter, the OBSERVER ONLINE has been told.
"I make it clear that I have no evidence that Mr Fitz-Henley was involved in any hacking into my account. As a result I unreservedly withdraw my statements to that effect," said Dr Khia Duncan in an apology sent to the journalist.
"I also apologise to Mr Fitz-Henley for any embarrassment my actions may have caused," she said.
Duncan went on to state that she has other evidence that her Facebook account had been hacked, but she said she's seen nothing to suggest that Fitz-Henley was in any way connected to the alleged hacking.
Fitz-Henley on Saturday declined to comment but referred OBSERVER ONLINE to his attorney, whom he said would communicate his views.
"My client is pleased that Dr Duncan has acknowledged the grave error of her ways. He forgives her, holds no malice towards her or anyone connected to her, wishes her Godspeed and all the best," attorney Caroline Hay wrote in a response to the Observer.
Khia Josina Duncan, who is a medical doctor, had sensationally accused Fitz-Henley of hacking into her Facebook account after the journalist published a letter she wrote blasting West Hanover Member of Parliament Ian Hayles, who will this Sunday challenge her father for control of the PNP Region 6.
Ahead of what's shaping up to be a tense battle, Khia Duncan had accused Hayles of being insensitive to her father's illness and misleading Comrades while he positions himself to be the PNP's regional leader. Region 6 includes the parishes of St James, Hanover and Westmoreland.
Last Wednesday, Fitz-Henley reported that the document of which Khia Duncan complained was sent to Comrades and circulated among several members of the governing People’s National Party prior to his publication.
Still, Khia Duncan accused the media practitioner of hacking into private communication she had on Facebook.
However, Fitz-Henley and Nationwide's CEO Cliff Hughes strenuously denied the allegations.
Fitz-Henley told Khia Duncan that she'd be met in court if she did not withdraw her allegations and apologise. But she struck a defiant tone and refused to back down from her controversial remarks, which, by then, had set social media ablaze and were picked up by traditional media.
Khia Duncan intensified her criticism of Fitz-Henley and also implicated Hughes and Nationwide Radio in the alleged hacking.
After Fitz-Henley retained Caroline Hay to clear his name, Khia Duncan, whose attorney is Queen’s Counsel Michael Hylton, struck a contrite and apologetic tone.