Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer
Ocho Rios, St. Ann:
A major rift has developed within the ranks of the People's National Party (PNP) in north-east St. Ann.
Evidence of this internal tussle was uncovered yesterday with news of the sudden resignation, which was later put on hold, of PNP caretaker and constituency chairman Oswest Senior-Smith.
Reports reaching The Gleaner are that Mr. Senior-Smith, who is an attorney-at-law, handed in his letter of resignation to the constituency executive on Monday but the information was not conveyed to the general membership until yesterday.
Unconfirmed reports are that Mr. Senior-Smith, who was elected constituency caretaker last year, following the resignation of former caretaker Carol Jackson, is being chastised for failing to support Team Portia in the recent presidential election.
However, Mr. Senior-Smith told The Gleaner yesterday his sole reason for resigning was in an effort to preserve party unity in the constituency. "Someone is rivalling my candidacy and I do not intend to be part of any power struggle," he said.
