PNP slams injunction blocking Clarendon takeover bid, vows legal fight

The People's National Party (PNP) has described as "anti-democratic" an injunction on Friday that blocked its bid to take control of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation, with the party noting that it will be taking the matter to court to have the order set aside. In a news release, the party said it notes "the ex parte interim injunction allegedly granted this morning on the application of the minority mayor and deputy mayor of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation to restore today's duly convened special meeting of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation from being held, the purpose of which was to preserve democratic rule by electing a majority-supported Mayor and Deputy Mayor. "What has happened today is profoundly anti-democratic. The PNP now holds a clear 12-10 majority, and the leadership of the Clarendon Municipal Corporation must be allowed to reflect the will of the people," the party said. READ: Court injunction blocks PNP bid to take control of Clarendon Municipal Corporation It added that it will be taking the matter back to court in an effort to set aside the ex parte order, which it said was obtained without notice to the PNP councillors, and without them being represented in court. The PNP said, if granted, it would pave the way for a meeting to be held "and the appropriate resolutions passed to restore democratic governance with majority control of the Corporation." The development comes amid political tensions at the municipal corporation following the announcement by Councillor for the May Pen North Division, Tanya-Lee Williams that she intends to leave the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and join the PNP. Williams reportedly attempted to cross the floor during Thursday’s sitting of the municipal corporation. However, the move was ruled inadmissible after she failed to follow the correct procedure under the council’s standing orders, resulting in the adjournment of the meeting.