Gareth Davis, Gleaner WriterPORTLAND: CONTROVERSIAL JAMAICA Labour Party (JLP) Councillor, Benny White officially tendered his resignation from the party on Wednesday, March 2.
The letter of resignation was sent to JLP Leader Bruce Golding and takes immediate effect. Mr. White, who had earlier hinted that he was seriously contemplating resigning as a JLP councillor, says he would continue his political career by remaining in the Portland Parish Council as an independent councillor.
"I have officially resigned as a member of that party," said Mr. White. "I however, will continue to represent the people in my division, at Fellowship, as an independent councillor".
GOLDING STATEMENT
Mr. White, in an interview with The Gleaner yesterday, said that although his decision to resign was forthcoming, it was speeded-up by a statement made by Mr. Golding during the West Portland constituency conference on February 27. Mr. White said that the party leader hinted that persons who sided with the opposing, People's National Party (PNP), to cause a rift at the Portland Parish Council, had committed an unforgiving transgression.
However, JLP general secretary Karl Samuda yesterday blamed Mr. White for refusing to cooperate with party colleagues, saying his actions had undermined the effectiveness of the parish council.
On July 15, last year, Mr. White, sided with four PNP councillors and tabled a motion of no-confidence against Port Antonio Mayor Alston Hunter, and his deputy, Rupert Kelly. Mr. Hunter, however, took out an injunction in the supreme court, barring Mr. White from taking up the position of
chairman of the parish council, after he was elected mayor in controversial fashion.
The matter is still before the Supreme Court, awaiting a ruling.
