Dear Editor,

Mr Paul Patmore, councillor-elect for the Lorrimers division, has advised that he has no intention of becoming Mayor of Falmouth and gave some reasons in the media. He indicated that he would remain an Independent councillor, but his input or vote would be needed to select and elect a mayor. He now holds the balance of power.

Is he going to lend his support to the PNP and allow them to take charge of the Trelawny Parish Council? He seemed to have been given a raw deal by the JLP although he says he remains a Labourite.

I think Mr Patmore should lend his support to the four PNP councillors elected to the Trelawny Parish Council.

The non-selection of Mr Patmore to run on the JLP ticket for councillor of Lorrimers division not only cost them the seat but contributed to their loss of the Trelawny Parish Council and probably the other councils they held, whether or not they want to admit it. They seemed to have forgotten that in an election the electorate holds the handle while they held the blade.

I would like to congratulate you, Mr Patmore, for securing victory at the polls by trouncing your two opponents. I trust that you will serve the people of Lorrimers effectively and that they will see to your promotion to central government by electing you as the next MP for the constituency, either as a member of the JLP or as an Independent ccandidate. You may just create history in Jamaica, as no Independent candidate has won a seat to the House of Representatives since Independence.

The party leader, Andrew Holness, the JLP spokesman on local government, Desmond McKenzie and the area council leader must take responsibility for their blunder which caused them to lose the Lorrimers division, a safe JLP council seat.

There are several councillors who are missing in action in their divisions, but the parties will not entertain any challenge because of their loyalty to party which comes first.

Joseph M Cornwall Snr

tranquillityfh@yahoo.com