KINGSTON, Jamaica — Member of Parliament for Trelawny North Patrick Atkinson is urging his constituents to “not behave in ways that will bring the ruling People’s National Party (PNP) into disrepute”.

On Tuesday, a meeting called by the hierarchy of the party with the PNP Trelawny Northern executive and other stakeholders at Water Wheel in Martha Brae, descended into chaos after it was announced by the party’s deputy general secretaries Julian Robinson and Wensworth Skeffrey that a decision has been taken to install John-Paul “JP” White as the party’s candidate for the upcoming polls.

Read: JP White reaches out to disgruntled Comrades in Trelawny North“This type of behaviour is unacceptable and must be condemned,” Atkinson said in a statement issued to the media this afternoon.“Unity is needed more than ever at this time for us to win the next election so we continue the Economic Reform Programme and advance growth and development.“Your protests over petty disagreements will only serve to distract us from the bigger national interest,” the first-time MP said, citing that he had informed the party leader to withdraw his name from the list of those being considered to be the standard-bearer.At the same time, Atkinson said he is convinced that it is only a small number of persons who are participating in these public protests and disruptions.“I continue to serve as a loyal member of the PNP. I have told the party leader that I am willing to serve the party and her administration in whatever capacity she chooses,” he said.