PNP says Yallahs Division by-election announcement unlawful

The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) says the April 27 date announced for a by-election in the Yallahs Division in St Thomas is unlawful.

According to Shadow Minister of Local Government, Dr Angela Brown Burke, section 20 (F) of the Election Petition Act provides that the judge shall certify his determination (decision) to the chairman of the parish council before a new election can be called.

Brown Burke says while she welcomes the desire to ensure that the people of Yallahs receive continuous local representation in the shortest possible time, it appears the local government minister acted unlawfully.

“It is therefore our conclusion that Minister Desmond McKenzie has acted prematurely and unlawfully by announcing nomination day ahead of the judge’s certification and ahead of said certification reaching the hands of the chairman of the parish council,” the PNP spokesperson on local government said.

Furthermore, Brown Burke argues that the fact that the issue of costs and whether Dean Jones should return his illegal salary are to be determined 21 days from March 20 is clear indication that the judgement is not yet issued or complete. 

The PNP spokesperson is suggesting that the haste by the government to call the by-election in the Yallahs Division appears to be a tactic to delay the sitting of a special meeting requested by PNP councillors of the St Thomas Municipal Council where a vote of no confidence against Jones is expected to be mounted.

Brown Burke says that appears to be the intent since no similar dates were announced for two expected by-elections in Clarendon and St Catherine where the representatives died.

“We call upon the Minister of Local Government to ensure that he holds his office utmost to the principle of good governance. We will continue to resist any further attempt at political manipulation and disregard for decent and unbiased practises,” Brown Burke said.