JAMAICA | Three Western Westmoreland councillors resign from PNP

MONTEGO BAY,  July 10, 2023 - Against the background of the earth-shattering resignation of three Peoples National Party Councillors from Western Westmoreland from the party, the PNP Secretariat  is trying to put on a good face by saying that it is focusing on moving forward with organizing for elections. 

The Councillors who tendered their resignations to the Peoples National Party are Lawton McKenzie of the Grange Hill Division; Ian Miles of the Little London Division, and Garfield James of the Sheffield Division.

According to General Secretary Dr. Dayton Campbell, “The PNP has full confidence in the strength and resilience of the Western Westmoreland constituency organisation to carry forward the people's business. The Party recognises the importance of a vibrant and dedicated team that will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the constituents.”

In signifying that the resignation of the three PNP local government  standard bearers was of no moment to the party, the General Secretary said “Already, the Little London division has elected its new Divisional Chairman, and both the Sheffield and Grange Hill Divisions will follow suit at their slated conferences later this month.”

In a letter to General Secretary Daytyon Campbell, the three Councillors  said : 

1. We are disappointed in the arrogance and poor leadership that you continue to display, we have never seen it this bad in the People's National Party. This is not what we signed up for when we joined the People's National Party.”
2.   You have failed to listen to the voice of the people and continue to facilitate a process that serves to ignore the principles on which the party was built.
3. We  have always been consistent in our position against the selection of Ian Hayles as candidate for Western Westmoreland, of which you are fully cognizant, and the many letters and meetings serve as a point of reference.

“It's quite clear that we are being pushed aside, hence we will do what is necessary to maintain our position of integrity for the respective Divisions we serve,” the Councillors said.

The PNP Councillors say they will not resign from the Parish Council in deference to their constituents who they have committed to represent.

It’s understood that the JLP has offered the Councillors a home on the government side to which they’re yet to react.

The Westmoreland Municipal Corporation now comprises five PNP councillors, four representing the Jamaica Labour Party and three independent councillors.