By Gareth Davis, Gleaner WriterPORT ANTONIO, Portland:
ALSTON HUNTER, Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) councillor and Mayor of Port Antonio, was unseated at a special council meeting held yesterday, at the headquarters of the Portland Parish Council.
Many are still baffled by the turn of events which saw Benny White, a JLP councillor opposed to the leadership style of Mr. Hunter, being elected Mayor. White received the full support of the four People's National Party (PNP) councillors.
"I am honoured to have been chosen to serve in this capacity," said Mr. White. "Though I never expected my colleagues to storm out of this sitting, my appointment is a timely one. These PNP councillors could have voted for themselves, as I was the only one left to hold the bell for the JLP. I will serve this council with distinction, and I will guarantee the results".
NOT AN ALLIANCE
Mr. White said the stance he has taken was not an indication that he has formed an alliance with the PNP. He said his decision to table a no-confidence vote against Mr. Hunter was necessary, so as to provide transparency and accountability within the council.
"I will be spending the first 100 days (as Mayor) beautifying and cleansing the town, the Musgrave Market along with the Port Antonio Infirmary. A proper parking area will also be put in at this resort town to reduce traffic congestion."
But Mr. Hunter, who earlier made reference to the 1902 by-laws of the Parish Council, said it was irrelevant as the Act was amended in 1951. Arguing that the motion of no-confidence brought against him was therefore invalid, Mr. Hunter and other JLP councillors stormed out of the meeting, after calling an adjournment.
At one stage it appeared that the predicted show down of 'Hunter versus White', would be a no-contest. It was secretary/manager Franklyn Smith, who intervened and afterwards reconvened the meeting under his direction. Former Mayor, Phillip Thomas, was elected chairman for the remainder of the meeting, which also took a 30-minute recess. On the resumption, after Mr. Smith had consulted the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government by telephone regarding the walk-out orchestrated by Mr. Hunter, he was reportedly given the greenlight and the meeting restarted.
With four PNP councillors and the JLP's White, the no-confidence motion was passed with White elected to the position of Mayor with Dexter Roland, a PNP councillor as his deputy.
Meanwhile, Harold Brady, attorney-at-law for former Mayor Hunter, told The Gleaner yesterday that he will be seeking a declaration in court to have the election declared null and void, and that he would also be seeking an injunction to block Mr. White's appointment as Mayor.
"This has now become a court matter," Mr. Brady said. He argued that Smith had no authority to reconvene the meeting after it was adjourned by Mr. Hunter.
