James Robertson returned as Deputy Leader of JLP

The issue surrounding the validity of the nomination of James Robertson as a Deputy Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, JLP, has been settled. The matter was put to rest during Sunday’s meeting of the Party's Central Executive.

Following the meeting, Andrew Holness, JLP Leader, announced that Mr. Robertson had officially been installed as Deputy Leader.

“As it relates to Mr. James Robertson, the Central Executive discussed in depth and we decided that we would accept the nomination of Mr. Robertson as valid and he has therefore returned as Deputy Leader; and we acknowledge Mr James Robertson and Deputy Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party,” said Mr. Holness.

The Party's Secretariat had raised questions about the legitimacy of the nomination of Mr. Robertson and Dr. Christopher Tufton.

Last week Dr. Tufton withdrew his nomination, which the Central Executive has accepted.

Team of officers remains intact

Meanwhile, the team of JLP officers remains intact, following Sunday’s meeting of the Central Executive. Robert Montague was returned as JLP Chairman. He staved off a challenge from Derrick Smith.

Deputy Chairman, Aundre Franklin, received 96 votes to overcome a challenge from Kamina Johnson Smith, who got 51 votes.

Dr. Horace Chang was returned as General Secretary after he polled more votes than challenger Joan Gordon Webley.

Audley Gordon, Homer Davis, Dr. Andrew Wheatley and Richard Creary were re-elected as the Party's four deputy General Secretaries.

Karl Samuda and Leslie Campbell were unopposed for the positions of Treasurer and Deputy Treasurer, respectively.

Mr. Holness said he's satisfied with the team:

“I think that the party has considered very carefully the call and they have returned those persons whom they believe will do the party’s work and who are loyal to the party and who has (sic) the party’s best interest at heart. I’m satisfied with the team I have and as always I am prepared to work with everyone that the party places in the officer corps.”

Rebuilding unity

Meanwhile, Mr. Holness, has been busy working to rebuild unity in the JLP after last month's leadership election. He met on the weekend with Dr. Tufton and constituents of South West St. Elizabeth in a bid to mend broken ties.

The move became necessary after the contentious leadership campaign that divided delegates into Team Andrew Holness and Team Audley Shaw. 

At a meeting in the constituency, Mr. Holness spoke of the value of Dr. Tufton to the Party.

Dr. Tufton in turn said he was committed to the JLP and the constituency. However, he noted that he has to make some crucial decisions in the Party's interest.