Dunn oath to start JLP three-seat majority
THE GOVERNING Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) will today establish a clear three-seat majority in Parliament when Dr Norman Dunn takes the oath of allegiance in Gordon House, following his convincing win in the October 30 by-election in St Mary South East.
Dunn defeated the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Dr Shane Alexis in a controversial race that drew national attention.
When Dunn takes his seat in Gordon House, the JLP will have 33 members of parliament to the PNP’s 30. Previously, the JLP had a one-seat majority.
Speaking with The Gleaner yesterday, Dunn said he was looking forward to acquainting himself with parliamentary procedures.
The new parliamentarian said his family and representatives from his constituency will be in attendance today when he takes the oath.
PNP SEATS
At the same time, the PNP’s Mark Golding and Angela Brown Burke will also take the oath of allegiance, joining the ranks of opposition lawmakers in the Lower House, having both served in the Senate for about five years.
Golding will take his seat as member of parliament for St Andrew South, while Brown Burke will represent the people of St Andrew South West.
Commenting on his transition to another chamber, Golding said he was ready to take on his various tasks.
“It’s a new arena. The culture and approach is somewhat different to the Senate, so I am going to pay attention to what’s happening around me and learning the procedures. This will be a steep learning curve in the sense that I won’t have much time to find my feet there.”
Golding has taken on the tough responsibility of opposition spokesman on finance where he will come face to face in the Lower House with his counterpart Audley Shaw. He will also be chairing the hard-hitting Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.