JLP councilor denies departure from party, says he is a committed member
Key Points(5)
- Winston Ennis, the former deputy mayor of Kingston, has firmly denied the claims that he is leaving the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to become an independent candidate.
- In a statement released on Wednesday, Ennis clarified that remarks attributed to him in a "leaked voice note" circulated within a JLP-affiliated Whatsapp group were made impulsively and do not reflect his actual intention to sever ties with the party.
- “I have not sent a formal letter withdrawing my membership in the Jamaica Labour Party.
- I wish to categorically state that I retract any verbal suggestion that I have left my Party, which I have served faithfully for several decades,” his statement read partially.
- “I was surprised at the leak.
Winston Ennis, the former deputy mayor of Kingston, has firmly denied the claims that he is leaving the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to become an independent candidate.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Ennis clarified that remarks attributed to him in a "leaked voice note" circulated within a JLP-affiliated Whatsapp group were made impulsively and do not reflect his actual intention to sever ties with the party.
“I have not sent a formal letter withdrawing my membership in the Jamaica Labour Party. I wish to categorically state that I retract any verbal suggestion that I have left my Party, which I have served faithfully for several decades,” his statement read partially. “I met last night with members of my Division and party workers and wish to state that I am committed to resolving internally any issue which might have arisen that led to my earlier sentiment.”
Ennis’ hypothetical departure from the JLP would have disrupted the 20-20 balance at the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), following the recent local government election, potentially handing outright control of the parish council to the People’s National Party (PNP).
Affirming his continued allegiance to the JLP, Ennis said he believes his party is “best placed to govern Jamaica at both the local and central Government levels.”
Ennis disappointed at leaked audio
Expressing disappointment at the public disclosure of what he deemed "personal discussions," Ennis cautioned against airing such matters publicly.
“I was surprised at the leak. I am disappointed that personal discussions made it into the public domain. I wish to caution people who are making personal statements in the heat of the moment and meant for internal discussion, to be careful about the domain used to express same and the words chosen,” he shared.
Read: JLP councilor quits party, local government elections result now tied
