ST JAMES, Jamaica — A swift conclusion has been reached in the matter involving the two St James Municipal Corporation councillors following the controversy at the swearing-in event on Thursday.

READ: Councillors blocked from being sworn in after refusing to take oath based on religious beliefs

The Corporation, in a release, has said that Anthony Murray of the Rose Hall division and Gregory Harris of the Salt Spring division will be allowed to take up their roles at the next sitting of the council.

“The duly elected councillors Anthony Murray of the Rose Hall Division and Gregory Harris of the Salt Spring Division were not disqualified and will be duly installed, using the prescribed format for affirmation at the next sitting of the Council,” the statement read.

Both men had chosen to affirm instead of swear in on Thursday but saw the matter take a different turn when fellow councillor Charles Sinclair indicated to the chamber that the affirmation was a breach of sections 29 and 30 (c) of the Local Governance Act 2016.

Both men and the councillor for the Mount Salem division, Kerry Thomas, had initially affirmed but Thomas then moved to swear on his part. Both men opted not to change their stance and ended up leaving the meeting hall.

However, the release, which was done under the authority of the new mayor, Richard Vernon, provided an update on the matter indicating that following research done, both men would take up their places in the council at the next sitting.

“Research by chief executive officer of the corporation, Nadia Crosskill and communication with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development revealed that Section 69 of the Oaths Act, 1973 allows for affirmation in cases where individuals opt not to answer,” another section of the release read.