JLP leader proposes solution to impasse with senators

Leader of the opposition Jamaica Labour party (JLP), Andrew Holness, is proposing a possible solution to the impasse regarding the status of  Arthur Williams and Dr. Christopher Tufton as senators.

Holness who was a guest on the morning television programme Smile Jamaica, says the matter could be settled by any of  the affected parties offering a letter of  resignation.

“We want them to be senators, I have no ill will or malice. But there is a simple solution – everyone who wants to be senators, could submit their letters of resignation and I reappoint them – and the matter is closed.

Attorney General Patrick Atkinson is expected to file a motion in the Supreme Court on Monday, seeking a declaration on the status of Williams and Tufton .

Dismisses calls for resignation

Meanwhile, Holness addressed calls for his resignation in light of  the court ruling that the use of  pre-signed letters of  resignation to remove both men from the Senate was unconstitutional.

He said he has taken responsibility for what transpired but he does not agree with calls to resign.

“You know I looked at it carefully because more than anything else I have to preserve my integrity  - it was an after the fact decision, I didn’t go in with the intension of breaching the constitution. I didn’t do it out of ill will or malice, so my conscience is clear.”

Concerning  a general election, the JLP leader said says he does not feel the current internal issues will cost the JLP the next general election.

He says the Party's base is solid and only a few members have been projecting the mood of  disunity. Holness attributes this to being a new Leader.

“I have to work doubly hard to establish myself and there are persons who want to prevent that and if you look at the profiles of those persons who will see that it doesn’t match my profile and there will be a conflict and the Jamaican people.”