Sav mayor hails election of 3 PNP MPs in W’land
Published:Friday | September 12, 2025 | 12:10 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Savanna-la-Mar Mayor Danree Delancy, chairman of the People’s National Party (PNP)-controlled Westmoreland Municipal Corporation (WMC), says the election of three PNP members of parliament (MPs) in Westmoreland is a long-overdue opportunity for collaboration and progress in the parish.
“In the past, with the former MPs, there was little or no collaboration with the corporation,” said Delancy, referencing the three Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) parliamentary representatives who served the parish between 2000 and 2025.
“This time, I see things in a very positive way. I am elated because these three new members bring a breath of fresh air in terms of representation of the parish in the House of Parliament.”
In the general election, the PNP’s Ian Hayles (Western), Dwayne Vaz (Central), and Dr Dayton Campbell (Eastern) were elected as Westmoreland’s three new MPs.
“We shall meet with the three MPs-elect to discuss the way forward, looking at how we can enhance and drive development in the parish,” said Delancy, who is the councillor for the Bethel Town Division in Westmoreland Eastern.
Asked whether the MPs’ position in the Opposition could hinder progress, Delancy acknowledged potential challenges but remained optimistic.
“Most definitely, there will be struggles and obstacles, just as we at the WMC have faced, but I believe this group is resilient and creative. They will find strategies that will benefit the people,” he said.
Delancy also insisted that in the 2025 General Election, the voters of Westmoreland “made the right choice”, arguing that the new representatives carry both the mandate and the energy to break years of political inertia.
Delancy praised voters for what he called “the right choice” in electing representatives who bring energy and a mandate to break political stagnation. He also pointed to growing public frustration over stalled infrastructure projects, chronic unemployment, and a widening disconnect between national leaders and grass-roots communities.
“We are looking forward to good collaboration and to working with these MPs to advance the betterment of our people and parish,” the mayor said.