SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland – Hopeton Tulsie, the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) councillor for the Friendship Division of the Westmoreland Parish Council, was yesterday booted after the ruling People’s National Party (PNP) councillors upheld a motion that he had missed six consecutive monthly meetings.

However, Councillor Tulsie told the Observer last night that he would be appealing the decision as he was ill.

“Councillor Tulsie missed six consecutive monthly meetings of the council and the law prescribes that if that happens and it can be proven that he was not granted leave by the council, and that he was not ill, then upon a motion being brought by a member of the council the seat becomes vacant,” said Delford Morgan, who chairs the local body.

The motion was moved by Earl Brooks (PNP, Little London) and seconded by councillor Devon Thomas (PNP, Savanna-la-Mar).

It was supported by the seven PNP councillors in attendance at the meeting, while the three JLP councillors present voted against the motion.

Morgan said Tulsie, who had not attended any monthly meeting since February, yesterday turned up for the council meeting after it had been adjourned.

“He (Tulsie) turned up after the meeting was concluded and he seemed to be very surprised and appeared to be in shock,” Morgan said.

He said the sitting, which ended at 11:45 am, had lasted for an hour and 45 minutes.

Last night, Tulsie said councillors and some members of the administration were aware that he was ill for two consecutive meetings. “At the time of the other meetings I was overseas,” Tulsie said, adding that he was in possession of his medical certificate to prove that he was sick.