Tension is seemingly looming in the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), as three councillors who represent divisions in Western Westmoreland constituency resigned today (July 10).

Ian Myles, councillor for the Little London Divison, Garfield James, councillor for the Sheffield Division and Lawton McKenzie, councillor of the Grange Hill Division have reportedly tendered their resignation on Monday with immediate effect to express their opposition of Ian Hayles who was elected to represent the party in the Western Westmoreland Division.

The three men are set to serve as independent councillors.

In a statement on Monday, PNP general secretary Dr Dayton Campbell said the party acknowledged the resignations and extended its “gratitude to the councillors for their service”.

The party statement chalked the resignations to an ‘act of rebellion’, purportedly in rejection of Garfield James’ recent defeat in becoming the next candidate to represent Western Westmoreland on a PNP ticket.

“Western Westmoreland recently participated in a democratic exercise to select its MP candidate. These three councillors were unsuccessful in their campaign for Mr. Garfield James to be the candidate. The delegates of the Party and the citizens of the constituency have spoken, and the party is moving forward in favour of democracy and the people’s will,” Campbell was quoted as saying in the release.

The statement, in entirety, reads:

 The People’s National Party (PNP) acknowledges the resignations of councillors Ian Myles, Lawton McKenzie, and Garfield James from the party. Dr. Campbell extends his gratitude to these councillors for their service and wishes them the best in their future endeavours.

Dr. Dayton Campbell affirms that the PNP remains steadfast in its commitment to its democratic traditions and is focused on moving forward with the organising of Westmoreland Western in accordance with the will of the people. He said, “Western Westmoreland recently participated in a democratic exercise to select its MP candidate. These three councillors were unsuccessful in their campaign for Mr. Garfield James to be the candidate. The delegates of the Party and the citizens of the constituency have spoken, and the Party is moving forward in favour of democracy and the people’s will.”

The PNP has full confidence in the strength and resilience of the Western Westmoreland constituency organisation to carry forward the people’s business. The party recognises the importance of a vibrant and dedicated team that will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the constituents. Already, the Little London division has elected its new divisional chairman, and both the Sheffield and Grange Hill divisions will follow suit at their slated conferences later this month.

The PNP remains dedicated to addressing the needs and concerns of the constituents, working in close collaboration with the community to bring about positive change. The party’s commitment to progress, social justice, and inclusive governance remains unwavering.”