PNP moves to add Scean Barnswell to Clarendon Municipal Corporation lawsuit

The People’s National Party (PNP) has moved to bring Councillor Scean Barnswell into the legal battle over the leadership of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation.

The PNP says it has filed an application in the Supreme Court to have Barnswell added as a party to proceedings challenging efforts to remove the mayor, Councillor Joel Williams, and deputy mayor, Councillor Clive Mundle.

The application was filed on October 21, according to a media release issued by the PNP on Friday, as the political dispute over control of the corporation continues following a shift in the balance of power among its 22 councillors.

The PNP said the application represents a step towards restoring what it describes as democratic governance within the corporation, arguing that its leadership should reflect the “democratic will of the majority” of elected councillors.

The party now holds a 12-10 majority following the defection of May Pen North division’s Councillor Tanyalee Williams from the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to the PNP on October 8.

However, the party’s efforts to translate that majority into a change in the corporation’s leadership have been stalled by court proceedings.

Williams and Mundle brought a claim against the corporation seeking to prevent their removal from office.

On October 16, the Supreme Court granted an interim injunction that prevented a special meeting convened by the councillors from proceeding with the intended election of a mayor and deputy mayor.

The PNP said the meeting had been called by the majority to elect leaders who commanded its support.

The mayor and deputy mayor did not join the PNP councillors in the legal action, the party said.

The party said it remains committed to pursuing the appropriate legal remedies to ensure that the majority’s position is respected and that the corporation’s leadership reflects the composition of its elected membership.

The application adds another development to the unfolding legal and political contest over the corporation, where the question of who commands the support of the majority remains central to the dispute.

- Olivia Brown

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