Golding and Charles
Omar Anderson and Barbara Gayle, Gleaner Reporters
THE JAMAICA Labour Party (JLP) last night cancelled its annual conference scheduled for this weekend, after a High Court judge refused to overturn an injunction filed by JLP leadership contender Pearnel Charles, to halt tomorrow's election of a new party leader.
Last night, the party's general secretary Karl Samuda described Mr. Charles' action as 'unprecedented', adding that it "has very serious implications for the entire democratic process."
Mr. Charles, who is contending that more than 2,000 persons on the delegates' list were illegally added, filed the injunction on Wednesday.
The other contender is party chairman Bruce Golding.
SHORT NOTICE
However, lawyers representing party leader Edward Seaga, Mr. Golding, and Mr. Samuda, who were named defendants in Wednesday's court action, tried unsuccessfully yesterday to have the injunction overturned.
The lawyers said that they would be appealing the ruling by High Court judge, Justice Donald McIntosh.
In refusing to grant the application to overturn the injunction, Justice McIntosh said the notice to have it done was short served on Mr. Charles.
The judge added that he did not have the jurisdiction to set aside the ex parte injunction because the applicants were required by law to give Mr. Charles three days clear notice of their intention to have the injunction set aside.
In the meantime, Mr. Samuda told The Gleaner that the filing of the injunction and the cancellation of the annual conference have perpetuated a view among Jamaicans that the JLP was divisive.
"The vast majority of our country are of the view that our party is at best under severe stress," Samuda said.
Up to late last night, JLP supporters who Mr. Samuda described as 'angry' and 'restless' shouted anti-Charles slogans, and warned he was no longer welcomed at the party's Belmont Road headquarters.
Mr. Samuda, however, begged for restraint.
"I am appealing to Labourites to remain calm and not do anything that may further affect the image of our party, because we have been damaged enough by this action and we now need to act responsibly," he said.
NO PREDICTIONS
The general secretary said he could not predict what Mr. Charles' continued role in the party would be.
"I think he has made a very grave mistake, and I think he is going to be in for a very rough time," Samuda reasoned. "It will be up to the party whether it will continue to embrace him or take a different attitude."
Earlier this year, members of the so-called reformist wing of the party who solidly support Mr. Golding for party leader, clamoured for Mr. Seaga's departure to allow for what they said was the breathing of new life into the party.
In early June, this year, Mr. Seaga, after coming under much pressure, surprised the nation in declaring his intention to resign as party leader after 30 years at the helm. In his letter, he said he would not seek re-election after what should have been tomorrow's election.
Analysts' reactions
Lambert Brown, trade unionist:
It's a setback for the process of unity necessary if the JLP is to regain power in the country.
Troy Caine, political analyst:
It's unfortunate it has gone so far. The party can rise above that.
Brian Meeks, UWI professor:
It obviously reflects badly on the party because it has been unable to patch up its differences prior to the filing of the injunction.
