HUNTER
Gareth Davis, Freelance Writer
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:
THE LEGAL team representing ousted Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Mayor, Alston Hunter, is preparing documents for a Supreme Court hearing in seeking an injunction to block Benny White's appointment as chairman.
At the same time, Mr. White has reported to the police that threats have been made on his life since his remarkable ascension to the position of Mayor.
On Thursday, Mr. Hunter was unseated in controversial fashion, following a walk-out staged by four JLP councillors, excluding their colleague, Mr. White. "We will be seeking an injunction to block the appointment of Mr. White as Mayor of the Portland Parish Council," said Harold Brady, attorney-at-law representing Mr. Hunter. "Mr. White's appointment came about in a controversial manner, and we will also be seeking a declaration in the Supreme Court to have the election declared null and void," Mr. Brady told The Gleaner yesterday.
Mr. Brady, in a telephone interview from his office in Kingston, added that the documents will be filed at the Supreme Court on Monday.
WALKED OUT OF MEETING
Mayor Hunter, who called an adjournment to the special meeting of the Parish Council on Thursday, walked out with fellow Councillors Derron Wood, Rupert Kelly, and Gloria Silvera. As a result, Franklyn Smith, secretary/manager of the Council reconvened the meeting, which was chaired by Phillip Thomas, a former Mayor and Councillor of the People's National Party (PNP).
The no-confidence motion was passed, despite the absence of the four JLP Councillors. All four PNP councillors Dexter Roland, Doreen Forbes, Wayne McKenzie, along with Mr. Thomas, then elected Mr. White as Mayor and chairman of the Council. Mr. Roland of the PNP was elected Deputy Mayor.
RECEIVED THREATS
Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, Mr. White, indicated that he had received threats on his life, and that he had reported the matter to the Port Antonio police.
"I have indicated to the police that I am concerned regarding the threats," said Mr. White. "I am hoping that through proper investigation, security will be provided for me. I am keeping a low profile for the time being, but come next week the real work at the PPC will begin."
Helbert Nelson, Superintendent of the Port Antonio police, told The Gleaner on Friday that Mr. White had reported a threat made against him at the station.
"This is, however, a third-party information," said Mr. Nelson. "This information regarding a threat was passed on to him by another party. At present it is not admissible, however, we are carrying out our investigation regarding this reported threat laid against him."
