Rayon Dyer, Gleaner Writer

Following what he described as a gross insult to Member of Parliament for South East St. Elizabeth, Lenworth Blake, by the ruling People's National Party (PNP) hierarchy, councillor for the Myersville division, Winston Sinclair, says he will be challenging the seat in the upcoming general election as an Independent candidate.

"I have resigned from the PNP but I am not leaving representational politics," said Sinclair, who has been a councillor for more than 15 years. "I will be offering myself as an Independent candidate to the people of South East St. Elizabeth. I have discussed this with the MP, the members of the constituency executive, as well as some of the key persons in the area."

Councillor Sinclair is one of the four divisional leaders who resigned from the ruling party following its decision to replace the current Member of Parliament, with former Jamaica Labour Party senator and businessman, Norman Horne, as its candidate in the next general election, constitutionally due this year.

Mr. Blake, however, told The Gleaner that Councillor Sinclair's intention was mentioned to him but, until it is discussed with him in detail, he would not be part of it. He said he was not supporting anyone at the moment, adding that the constituency was suffering politically because of barbaric decisions made recently.

"I want to make it clear that I am not a part of no discussion with anyone in the constituency as it relates to their position," Mr. Blake said.

Councillor Sinclair emphasised, "I am getting support from the business people in the area, I am getting support from my colleagues and I am also getting support from other supporters in the constituency. In the next couple of weeks, I will be taking my plans for the constituency to the people, as well as the importance of having the right person as their MP."