BLYTHE
KARL BLYTHE has signalled his intention to relinquish three critical positions he holds in the People's National Party (PNP), but has indicated that he is willing to serve at other levels in the party.
In a letter to PNP Chairman Robert Pickersgill, dated June 12, Dr. Blythe said he would not seek re-election as Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland at the next general election due next year. He said he will also be stepping down as PNP vice-president at the annual party conference in September.
Additionally, Dr. Blythe has informed the constituency secretary of his intention to discontinue as chairman of the Central Westmoreland constituency.
Dr. Blythe, who had expressed disappointment after being left out of the Portia Simpson Miller Cabinet in March, told Mr. Pickersgill he had come to the decision after months of consultation and reflection.
GHOST FROM THE PAST
The former Minister of Water and Housing, who resigned in 2002 under the P.J. Patterson administration following the Operation PRIDE controversy which involved the National Housing Development Corpor-ation, had claimed his omission from the Cabinet was because he was "haunted by a ghost from the past".
In his letter to the party chairman, Dr. Blythe thanked the party and members of Central Westmoreland for the opportunity of serving at most levels.
