Clarendon Municipal Corporation leadership dispute intensifies

A leadership dispute at the Clarendon Municipal Corporation is escalating following a Supreme Court injunction. Justice Tracey-Ann Johnson granted the order to temporarily restrain the Corporation from proceeding with specific agenda items at a special meeting. The injunction, which protects sitting Mayor Joel Williams and Deputy Mayor Clive Mundle of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), is set to remain in force until November 13.

The injunction resulted in the adjournment of a special meeting just five minutes after it began. The People’s National Party (PNP) has criticized the development, labeling it ‘profoundly anti-democratic.’ The PNP claims it now holds a 12-10 majority following a councillor switching allegiance from the JLP to the PNP, and argues that the municipal leadership should reflect this shift.

PNP minority leader Scean Barnswell noted that the injunction was obtained without notice to PNP councillors or their representation in court. The party has indicated its intention to seek legal redress and expects to continue efforts to elect a mayor and deputy mayor supported by the PNP majority.