Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

Mayor of Port Antonio, Floyd Patterson: As chairman, I have to ensure that all the regulations are adhered to. - File

THE PORTLAND Parish Council plunged into turmoil after two People's National Party (PNP) councillors stormed out of the monthly meeting, accusing the chairman of corruption and bias.

The incident was triggered by an answer to a question put forward by Wayne Mckenzie of the PNP, who sought to find out why rehabilitation work on a parish council building to accommodate the municipal police was stopped by Mayor of Port Antonio, Floyd Patterson.

"We need to know if there were any breaches," he said.

"I find it very strange for a chairman of this council to take it up on himself to bring to an internal project, which was sanctioned by senior staff members, including the super-intendent of works. It is important to note that the secretary manager is aware of the project," he added.

No breaches

Fay Neufville, secretary manager of the council, said that as far as she was concerned, there were no breaches. She also pointed out that the superintendent of roads and works also indicated that there were no breaches or violations.

Responding to the question, Mayor Patterson said he was not informed about the rehabilitation work, neither was he aware of how the funds were being disbursed.

"As chairman, I have to ensure that all the regulations are adhered to," he said.

"My motive is pure and simple. Action was taken in the best interest of the people of this parish. It does not seem normal for things to be happening around me unaware. All I am saying is, I am guided by the principles of this council, which will be observed by all," he added.

Investigations necessary

The mayor went on to explain that 90 per cent of the actual work was completed before he became aware of the project. The mayor said he was forced to bring a halt to the work, as he was unsure whether or not tenders were put out, or if the work was handed out to friends and associates.

Against that background, the mayor said the work was stopped for the necessary investigations to commence - investigations which the mayor said would help to create a level of transparency and accountability. Approximately $600,000 is being spent to do the rehabilitation.

The mayor's response did not go down well with McKenzie and Dexter Rowland, who accused him of showing scant regard for staff members, including the secretary manager and the superintendent of roads and works.

According to the two PNP councillors, it was obvious that the chairman was running a one-man show in the council and persons were constantly being victimised under his leadership.

They went on to say the walkout was a way of protesting against what they call a dictatorship.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) holds seven councillors to the PNP's two in the Portland Parish Council.