‘Happy, relieved, respected’

SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland — Councillor Julian Chang (Jamaica Labour Party, Savanna-la-Mar Division) officially crossed the floor during Thursday’s sitting of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation (WMC) after a tumultuous time with the People’s National Party (PNP). She is the third defection from the PNP benches, with Ian Myles of the Little London Division and Garfield James of the Sheffield Division making the switch in 2024. The formal announcement confirming Chang’s change of allegiance came with WMC Chief Executive Officer Marlette Wellington reading a letter submitted to Mayor Danree Delancy.

The initial letter had been emailed, stalling the process as protocol dictates that it has to be submitted in hard copy. “At this point, in consultation with my constituents, we have come to the decision that I can no longer sit with arrogance, disrespect, and of fundamental importance, poor representation. Hence, my crossing the floor to join the JLP, that practises progressive peopleism.

I, therefore, choose Jamaica” said a section of the letter. Its reading prompted an outburst of applause from PNP councillors within the chamber, raising questions from Myles and James as to whether the reaction was intended as commendation or political sarcasm. Following the notice, a motion was immediately tendered to strip Chang of her assignments on three municipal committees: Poor relief, human resources, and the finance sub-committee.

Reading from municipal correspondence, CEO Wellington detailed the swift replacements: Councillor Arthur Colly (PNP, Negril Division) now goes to poor relief; Councillor Lidden Lewis (PNP, Frome Division) is now on the human resources committee; and Councillor Jerome Bacchas (PNP, Darliston Division) is now named to the finance sub-committee. Addressing her abrupt removal from the committees, Chang remained unfazed. “I don’t feel no way,” she told the Jamaica Observer following the meeting.

I am now respected.” Councillor Julian Chang (right, JLP, Savanna-la-Mar Division) officially crossed the floor on Thursday. She was greeted outside by two of her supporters, Carol Waisome (left) and Icilda Johnson, who switched their allegiance to keep supporting Chang. Rosalee Wood Condell Her transition was warmly received by her new JLP colleagues, with James stepping forward to pledge full backing for the Savanna-la-Ma…