GENERAL SECRETARY of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Karl Samuda, said last night that he would not be surprised if Verna Parchment, his party's Member of Parliament for the St. Ann North West constituency, crossed the floor to join the governing People's National Party (PNP).
Responding to media reports that Ms. Parchment is harbouring plans to join the PNP, Mr. Samuda told The Gleaner that he had so far received no written or telephone contact from her on the matter.
The JLP general secretary, who himself once crossed the floor to the PNP, noted that Ms. Parchment had already indicated that she would not be contesting her seat at the next general election. He said her decision followed the JLP's announcement at its annual conference in February that it would deselect poor performing MPs and councillors.
"I don't think it's damaging (to the party). She indicated her unwillingness to remain as MP and I think it's common knowledge that a large number of people in her constituency were dissatisfied with her performance," he said.
Mr. Samuda suggested her situation was similar to that of former JLP MP, Abe Dabdoub, who recently quit the party, but said he would still contest his St. Catherine North East seat.
NO CONFIRMATION
PNP deputy general secretary Maureen Webber told The Gleaner last night that certain members of the JLP were currently interested in joining the PNP. She would not, however, confirm whether Ms. Parchment was one of those individuals.
"People are always looking to join the party, but I am not in a position to say anything at this time," she said.
