Dear Editor,

The vision is clearer now, the skin has been peeled away, and the truth lies before us. Nomination day, August 18, told a story that cannot be denied.

If one only looked at the crowds, the comparison was glaring: the overwhelming support gathered by Ian Hayles of the People’s National Party (PNP) versus the few people behind Dr Garfield James of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). The truth is plain: The JLP had no crowd. Why? Because, in my opinion, the party is divided — split down the middle, half on one side, half on the other.

Many of us wrote, protested, and pleaded with the leadership of the JLP, warning it about the dangers of disunity in Westmoreland Western. Our cries were ignored. Dr James has already been nominated, and it is far too late for correction. What we are left with now is simply the bitter truth: The damage is done.

Let it be known: This loss is not because of the JLP’s weakness, but because of the actions of the very ‘switch-over’ Labourites who betrayed the unity of the party. These individuals, once embraced and welcomed, abandoned principle for ambition. They tore down the unity that Moreland Wilson built, and they have left the constituency divided and weakened.

Still, let us remember: We are Labourites. We remain committed to the JLP. But we must also concede the reality that, barring a miracle, Hayles will be victorious in this election. That is the price of betrayal. That is the price of disunity.

Imagine, Wilson, who made history in 2020 by breaking the PNP’s 30-year stronghold, is now sidelined. The very people who should have stood with him have instead torn the party apart. This is not just political rivalry, this is betrayal of the highest order. And the result is clear for all to see: The PNP will regain the seat, not because of their strength, but because of the selfishness and disloyalty of those who broke the unity of the JLP.

This is outrageous. It is shameful. It is a slap in the face to the loyal Labourites of Western Westmoreland who gave their all to deliver victory in 2020. Those responsible must be condemned for placing greed over loyalty, and ambition over service.

There is no fixing this now. The nomination is complete. The election will run its course. But let history record plainly who caused this. Not the people, not the party faithful, but the ‘switch-over’ Labourites who put themselves above the cause.

Now all that remains is to wait and see what the people will decide on September 3. The eyes of Westmoreland Western are watching, and the judgment will be theirs.

J G Gregy

jakeygregy@gmail.com