St James JLP councillor crosses the floor
MONTEGO BAY, St James — Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) councillor for the Spring Gardens Division, Richard ‘Barry’ Solomone, switched allegiance to the ruling People National Party (PNP) during yesterday’s sitting of the monthly meeting of the St James Parish Council.
Solomone who has since 2003 represented the division — which falls in the constituency of West Central St James — cited what he described as his family’s “comfort level” as one of the key reasons for crossing the floor.
“This decision came about after much reflection, consultation and careful consideration. At the heart of this announcement was the comfort level of my family, friends and key constituents in the parochial division of Spring Gardens in West Central St James that I have represented since 2003,” Solomone stated.
The move by Solomone strengthened the PNP’s majority in the St James Parish Council to 14 councillors against the JLP’s three.
Solomone was warmly welcomed by the Comrades present at the monthly meeting. Chairman of the St James Parish Council, Councillor Glendon Harris, noted that Solomone has enjoyed the support of Comrades.
“In this division several PNP vote for him, support him and ensure that he is on the right. And that is why Councillor Solomone, over the years, has been such a representative to the people,” Harris argued.
Meanwhile, Solomone promised that his deflection will serve to be an advantage to the people in the division.
“I have no doubt that my constituents will realise greater benefits from this move, and I will continue to pride myself with decorum and professionalism,” Solomone argued.
But JLP councillor for the Glendevon Division, Leroy Williams — who harshly criticised Solomone for betraying the trust of the Labourites who elected him — argued that Solomone should have resigned and made way for a by-election.
Solomone defeated the PNP’s Stacy-Ann Campbell Scott in the last local government election.
— Horace Hines