THE JAMAICA Labour Party (JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP) have brokered a deal to elect a new Mayor of May Pen following the 11-11 tie in last Thursday's Local Government elections.
Under the deal, the JLP will nominate the Mayor and the PNP the Deputy Mayor. Both candidates will have the full support of both sides in the mayoral race expected tomorrow. The JLP got the mayorship on the basis of winning the popular vote in the parish.
The deal was brokered by Minister of Labour and Social Security, Horace Dalley and JLP Member of Parliament Mike Henry, the respective parish leaders for their parties. It was eventually accepted by the leadership of both parties.
"This should let the country know that both parties are capable of the highest level of co-operation. It shows maturity," said Mr. Dalley.
"We must recognise that we are in the same boat and we have to work together," Mr. Henry said.
This is probably the first occasion when both major political parties have reached an agreement of this sort.
Mayors for 12 Parish Councils are slated to be sworn in and installed tomorrow. The ceremony for the installation of the mayor of Kingston has been postponed until July 3.
