GENERAL secretary of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Dr Horace Chang has downplayed the extent of a rift among Labourites in Clarendon Central over who should be the party’s representative in the constituency for the next general election.

While admitting that some supporters are disappointed over the decision by the party’s secretariat to recommend former Mayor of Kingston Delroy Williams for the job, Chang on Wednesday told the Jamaica Observer that no candidate has yet been selected.

“Yes, the secretariat has recommended Delroy, but that is not the body which decides on candidates,” said Chang as he argued that the former Kingston mayor is believed to be the best person to replace veteran Member of Parliament (MP) 89-year-old Mike Henry who is not expected to seek re-election.

In a release on Tuesday, the JLP Secretariat announced that it has recommended to the party’s Selection Committee and Central Executive that Williams should be the standard-bearer in the constituency.

“Mr Williams is the only applicant to be the Jamaica Labour Party’s standard-bearer for the constituency. He has gained widespread support in the constituency,” said the party’s secretariat in its release.

“His organisational skills are well known and will enhance the legacy of the Jamaica Labour Party in Clarendon,” the secretariat claimed.

But hours later some JLP supporters in the constituency told the Observer that they are disappointed with the decision.

“The JLP leadership has disrespected us and disrespected Mike Henry by imposing Delroy Williams without even the decency to properly talk to the constituency delegates and supporters,” said one JLP supporter.

“For long, we have fought, sacrificed, and bled for this party. No one understands that sacrifice more than Mike Henry. This is a man who took gunshot in his early years fighting for the JLP and still never left us.

“Many of us have lost family members because of politics in Clarendon, and now, after 50 years of unwavering service, the party has tossed him aside without even talking to the people he has served,” the supporter added as he pointed out that they are committed to Mayor of May Pen Joel Williams as the candidate.

The disgruntled Labourites also shared a letter dated February 3 which was addressed to Chang, and signed by more than 20 business operators in the constituency objecting to Delroy Williams being parachuted there.

“We the undersigned members of the business community in Central Clarendon write to express our unequivocal support for Joel Williams… as the Jamaica Labour Party’s candidate for the constituency of Central Clarendon in the upcoming general elections. Given his extensive track record of exemplary service to both residents and businesses alike, we firmly believe that he is the ideal candidate to take up the mantle of Member of Parliament,” the letter said.

“For over three decades, Joel Williams has been a pillar of leadership and progress in our constituency, not only as councillor for the Denbigh Division but also as the esteemed Mayor of [May Pen]. His unwavering dedication to the betterment of our community has significantly contributed to the thriving business environment we now enjoy. Through his advocacy, infrastructure improvements, and policy initiatives, he has fostered an ecosystem where businesses can flourish, investments can grow, and employment opportunities can expand,” added the business operators.

They argued that Joel Williams has been instrumental in addressing the needs of entrepreneurs and business owners, ensuring that their voices are heard and their challenges are met with effective solutions.

“His leadership has brought tangible progress in areas such as market development, road rehabilitation, and security enhancements, all of which are critical to a prosperous business environment. His ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders has positioned Central Clarendon as a key economic hub, and we have no doubt that his elevation to Member of Parliament will further propel our constituency toward greater growth and stability,” said the business operators.

They added that Joel Williams has the experience, proven leadership, and deep understanding of the constituency’s needs that would make him a successful MP.

“We urge the Jamaica Labour Party to recognise the overwhelming support Joel Williams commands within our community and to grant him the opportunity to represent us as our next Member of Parliament. We look forward to your positive consideration of this endorsement and remain steadfast in our commitment to working alongside Mr [Joel] Williams for the continued success of Central Clarendon,” declared the business leaders.

But Chang told the Observer that he has met with the business leaders and the issue has been basically settled.

According to Chang, a second meeting was to be held with a wider group of business leaders but that has been shelved as the parties have moved on.