Issue: Manchester JPs oppose Porteous
Published:Saturday | January 28, 2012 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
Some JPs in Manchester are opposing the appointment of Sally Porteous as custos for the parish. As far as I can gather, their reasons are either that hers was a political appointment (to which they object) and/or that the position should be given to Calvin Lyn, as the majority of JPs are supporting him.
The prime minister is the only one who can make the appointment of a custos. In that sense, all appointments to the position are 'political'. But this is the first appointment, certainly in the last 30 years, that I can remember, where a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) prime minister appoints someone who has held political office on behalf of the party, as Ms Porteous served as councillor.
PNP prime ministers have done the same.
Take Roylan Barrett, former custos of Trelawny. According to PNP Chairman Robert Pickersgill, "Prior to becoming custos of Trelawny, Roylan served as a councillor for the Falmouth division for many years and was a stalwart for the party in the parish of Trelawny."
Take James Thompson, former custos of Westmoreland. He started as councillor for the Glenislay division in 1947 and served for 14 years. Then he served as member of parliament for North East Westmoreland between 1972 and 1980.
A PARTY STALWART
Then take Owen Sinclair, present custos of Westmoreland. He was a PNP MP from 1972 to 1976.
There have been other appointments by PNP prime ministers, though not of persons who have held political office, but of persons who have been for many years 'a stalwart for the party in the parish'.
The problem with the objecting Manchester JPs is that this 'political' appointment is not of one of their tribe. Mr Lyn is himself a former PNP MP for North East Manchester and would clearly fit the mould.
I trust that the appointment of Ms Porteous will be completed. It would be a dangerous precedent to set, that if a group of JPs protest, an appointment can be rescinded.
KEDESHA CAMPBELL