Thomas

While Dr Omer Thomas has rejected reports that his educational credentials are false, some are still questioning whether the agriculturist is being truthful.

On Monday, Karl Samuda, minister of industry, investment and commerce, who raised questions a few years ago as opposition member, about Thomas' expertise, refused to comment on the issue.

"The matter will be discussed by the members of the party. I don't wish to comment on it any further," said the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) general secretary.

Role up for discussion

The Gleaner was further informed that the role of Thomas, who is caretaker for East St Thomas, was up for discussion Monday night at the JLP's Standing Committee meeting.

According to The Jamaica Directory of Personalities, Thomas acquired his doctorate by age 32.

Thomas, born in 1955, graduated from Kensington University with his PhD in 1987.

However, checks by The Gleaner could not locate a Kensington University.

Thomas could not be reached for a comment.

No comments

Last Friday when interviewed and asked to list the universities he attended, Thomas said, "It is a legal matter, I will not comment."

Internet search shows that Kensington University was a diploma mill. According to http://hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/ocp/udgi/lawsuits/kensington/, Kensington University was forced out of business by officials in California and Hawaii. Kensington University Hawaii Corporation was dissolved by court order on October 29, 2003.

The Jamaica Directory of Personalities also stated that Thomas left the University of New Brunswick in Canada with a master's in 1980. Before that, in 1978, Thomas claims to have left McGill University, also in Canada, with a bachelor's degree.