Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller has raised concerns over a letter, which was reportedly written to the Westmoreland Parish Council instructing the body to cease all work, which falls under the Parochial Revenue Fund as of yesterday.

The party leader who was obviously upset with the contents of the letter, dated June 17, stating that it points to a lack of democracy and this decision should be taken across the board in all parish councils.

The concerns come in light of the impending Cornwall Mountain division by-election.

The People's National Party (PNP) represents all 14 divisions in the council and the seat was left vacant after the death of Councillor Michael Smith. Bernard Vanriel will go up against the Jamaica Labour Party's Keith Barnes for the seat in the July 14 by-election.

The opposition leader said the letter was sent from the Office of the Prime Minister and signed by Robert Montague, state minister in the OPM.

- Dalton Laing