PORT ANTONIO, Portland — Former Port Antonio Mayor Floyd Patterson crossed the floor of the Portland Parish Council yesterday to join the ruling People’s National Party (PNP).

Patterson, who was the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) representative for the St Margaret’s Bay Division, had not enjoyed a good relationship with Portland Western Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz.

A few months ago, Patterson lost a selection exercise to Steven Williams, who will now represent the JLP in the division.

“The St Margaret’s Bay Division has suffered from 2008 until now and has been cut off the map, and I don’t want the people to suffer anymore,” Patterson said in his address to the council.

“Mr Chairman, when you speak of corruption, the corrupt practices have been unleashed in my division… a selection took place and I was thrown aside. Much to my surprise, there is a deafening silence,” Patterson said.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that, as of now, subject to ratification by the People’s National Party, as of this moment I intend to make a public announcement. I no longer intend to represent the St Margaret’s Bay Division for the Jamaica Labour Party. I also intend to make it clear that if I am considered for acceptance by the NDM (National Democratic Movement), by an independent body or the People’s National Party, I’m willing to give service. And I want to make it very clear that it has nothing to do with the leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, who is my mentor,” he said.

“As a representative of the people I do not want to call and beg. I know that my service in the Jamaica Labour Party has no future as long as the present member of parliament serves. In order to give him a free way, I took this decision, a decision that I stand by with my family, thank you, Mr Chairman,” he said.

The PNP members welcomed him, while he was criticised as one of the worst mayors by some of his former Labourite colleagues.