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By Halshane Burke
People's National Party (PNP) General Secretary Dr. Dayton Campbell says the party is focused on moving forward with organising Westmoreland Western in accordance with the will of the people.
His response follows the resignation of three PNP councillors in the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation.
The councillors - Ian Myles of the Little London Division, Garfield James of the Sheffield Division and Lawton Mckenzie of the Grange Hill Division - tendered their resignation on Monday. They cited their reluctance to work with Ian Hayles as the reason for their resignation from the party.
Mr. Hayles was declared the PNP's caretaker for the Western Westmoreland constituency after being the lone contender for the post in an internal poll.
Councillor Garfield James said the leadership of the PNP had ignored the pleas and recommendations of the councillors in relation to the choice of Hayles to represent the constituency.
With their resignation, he said, the councillors are defending the tenet of integrity.
"It is also about the people and what the constituents of Western Westmoreland is (sic) demanding. And if you do polls that are without interference, it will point in that direction. And we have had examples and instances where the process has not been adhered to, where the process has not been clear, where the process has not been consistent, hence we are where we are today. It is not that we chose to do this, it's that we have been forced," he declared.
Mr. James indicated that the three would remain councillors to ensure the interest of their respective divisions are protected.
But Dr. Campbell has said the party remains steadfast in its commitment to its democratic traditions and will be guided accordingly.
He said the delegates of the PNP and the citizens of the constituency have made their choice, and the party's actions are firmly rooted in democratic principles.
"These three councillors were unsuccessful in their campaign for Mr. Garfield James to be the candidate. The delegates of the party and the citizens of the constituency have spoken. The PNP has full confidence in the strength and resilience of the Western Westmoreland constituency organisation to carry forward the people's business," he insisted.
Dr. Campbell said the party recognises the importance of a vibrant and dedicated team to work on behalf of constituents, and that work has already started.
"Already, the Little London Division has elected its new divisional chairman and both the Sheffield and the Grange Hill Divisions will follow suit at their slated conference later this month."
'Sideshow'
Caretaker for Western Westmoreland Ian Hayles has labelled the resignation of the councillors as a sideshow.
Mr. Hayles said the people of Westmoreland are more concerned about the day to day issues of life.
He added that he was willing to put aside differences with the councillors to safeguard the well-being of the constituents.
"We have a way to go, but I want to thank you for your service. But the People's National Party will never be hijacked by anyone or any two individuals. The party belongs to the people of this country and it belongs to the people of Western Westmoreland. In that time where people are hungry right now, cyah go supermarket, cyah have no good road to walk on, cyah have water, you have decided to go independent. And it's your right. I wish you well," said the caretaker.
Up to news time, there was no indication if the three councillors would be crossing the floor to join the Jamaica Labour Party, but they have expressed their willingness to have talks.
With the resignations, the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation now comprises five PNP councillors, four representing the Jamaica Labour Party and three independent councillors.
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