Shake up at PNPYO
published: Saturday | May 28, 2005

Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer

AS THE bid for the presidency of the People's National Party (PNP) continues, there appears to be a split in the party's Youth Organisation (PNPYO) over support for the party's two major presidential candidates.

The front-runners to succeed P.J. Patterson as PNP president and Prime Minister are National Security Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips, and Local Government Minister, Portia Simpson Miller.

The PNPYO has more than 85 delegates eligible to vote at the party's internal elections.

PNPYO President Andrew O'Kola recently resigned as personal assistant to Transport and Works Minister, Robert Pickersgill. His resignation takes effect May 31.

Party insiders say Mr. Pickersgill, himself a presidential candidate, would likely support Mrs. Simpson Miller if he decides to quit the race.

Mr. O'Kola told The Gleaner on Thursday that he did not resign specifically to join the camp of Dr. Phillips, as has been rumoured.

DIFFERENT FOCUS

"I have set myself certain targets and goals," he said. "I just at this time believe I need to have a different focus that can help me develop as an individual."

However, he admitted that disciplinary action had been taken recently against several members of the PNPYO.

"At a meeting last month (April 30), five persons were removed from their positions as chairpersons at the regional and parish levels," Mr. O'Kola said.

He revealed that the National Council of the youth organisation will soon decide the fate of another senior PNPYO member.

"The National Council is waiting on a report from the disciplinary committee regarding the removal of one of the four vice-presidents," the PNPYO president said.

The four vice-presidents are: Sean Cole, Carlene Fenton, Marlon Elliott, and Lee Townsend.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Antoine Nembhard, PNPYO general secretary and a known Peter Phillips supporter, confirmed last month's disciplinary action, which he said centred around the PNPYO's reorganisation.

"There was a contention by some members that the attempt to reorganise was in a bid to remove some support for Comrade Portia Simpson Miller," he told The Gleaner.

Mr. O'Kola stressed, however, that the disciplinary action was unrelated to support for any presidential candidate.

"The persons who were removed were not honouring their obligations," he emphasised.