BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth (BIG TIME POLITICKING) — JLP feels betrayed as Gregory Myers switched from JLP to PNP...The switch increased the PNP's majority in the St Elizabeth Parish Council to 10-5 over the JLP..."I am very upset," Nadine Tulloch of the Southfield Division said... JLP councillor says voters have been double-crossed

BY GARFIELD MYERS Editor-at-Large South/Central Bureau myersg@jamaicaobserver.com  Friday, May 15, 2015    

BLACK RIVER, St Elizabeth — He was warmly welcomed by Comrades, but councillor for the Southfield Division Gregory Myers was left in no doubt by Labourites that they considered him a traitor after he formally switched sides yesterday.

"I am very upset," Nadine Tulloch of the Southfield Division told journalists immediately after Myers's switch from the Opposition Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to the ruling People's National Party (PNP) at the monthly meeting of the St Elizabeth Parish Council.

Myers angst

The switch increased the PNP's majority in the St Elizabeth Parish Council to 10-5 over the JLP.

"I am upset because he was elected on the JLP ticket and now he has crossed over to the other party. I feel betrayed..." declared the green-clad Tulloch.

She argued that Myers -- who took over the Southfield Division in the local government elections of 2012, replacing his father Shirley Myers who had served for 26 years -- should have resigned and "let the people of the division choose who they want to choose".

Inside the parish council meeting Myers also came under bitter attack from the minority leader Jeremy Palmer, JLP councillor for the Pedro Plains Division and a former mayor of Black River.

"The people of Top Hill, Southfield and all the other areas, (including) my wife and I have been double-crossed, because we voted early and faithfully for him (Myers), but not as a PNP councillor," said Palmer.

In explaining his decision to "sever links" with the JLP, Myers, a teacher and guidance counsellor, told fellow councillors that "my decision to cross the floor today was thoroughly contemplated and went through consultations with several stakeholders..."

"I can say my decision was not a light one. This is not a divorce from the people, but a way to serve the people in a setting that provides collaboration and growth. My intent is in no way malicious, as people relationships and community are always at the heart of my daily interaction..." more