Former PNP Councillor Julian Chang Formally Crosses the Floor to Join JLP

In a significant political shift, Julian Chang, the former People’s National Party (PNP) Councillor for the Savanna-la-Mar Division in Westmoreland, has officially gained membership in the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

The Transition of Power

Chang’s application for membership was formally approved on Tuesday night during a meeting of the JLP’s Standing Committee at its Belmont Road headquarters in St. Andrew.

With her membership secured, the stage is now set for Chang to officially cross the floor of the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation, where she will sit alongside the JLP’s minority caucus.

Local Council Impact: Despite Chang’s defection, the political scales inside the municipality remain largely unchanged. The PNP still holds a commanding 10-4 majority in the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation.

A Bitter Departure from the PNP

Chang’s formal crossover comes on the heels of her abrupt resignation from the PNP late last month. At the time of her exit, the PNP issued a diplomatic statement thanking her for her service. The opposition party noted that it had made “considerable efforts” to mediate escalating tensions between Chang and the constituency’s leadership.

Behind the diplomatic language, however, lies a deeply contentious feud. The “constituency leadership” in question refers directly to Central Westmoreland Member of Parliament (MP) Dwayne Vaz.

The Allegations

The division between the two political figures involves serious, competing claims:

• Chang’s Accusations: Chang has publicly accused MP Dwayne Vaz of sexual harassment. Additionally, she claims Vaz actively conspired to strip her of her role as chairperson of the Savanna-la-Mar Division.
• Vaz’s Defense: MP Dwayne Vaz has vigorously and repeatedly denied both allegations, dismissing them as entirely unfounded.