PNP councillor Julian Chang resigns in Westmoreland as national stories unfold

A wave of political, institutional, and community developments marked Tuesday, 30 June 2026, touching Westmoreland, Portmore, St. Mary, Kingston, and St. Thomas.

The People's National Party said recently elected councillor Julian Chang has resigned from the party with immediate effect in the Savannah Lamar division in Westmoreland. The step follows an internal dispute in which Chang reportedly threatened legal action against another member. Party insiders indicated the resignation will create a vacancy in the division. In a Monday release, the PNP thanked Chang for her service to Savannah Lamar and said efforts to settle concerns between her and constituency leadership through internal channels were unsuccessful. The party said its focus remains on serving residents of the division and the wider parish.

The Integrity Commission formally submitted its 2025–26 annual report to Parliament on Monday at 2:34 p.m., meeting the deadline set under the Integrity Commission Act. Hard copies were delivered to House Speaker Juliet Holness, Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson, and Clerk to the Houses Colleen Lowe, along with a digital copy on USB. The commission said it again delivered its annual report and audited financial statements on time. The document will stay confidential until it is tabled in Parliament and then published on the commission's website.

Ascot Primary School in Portmore faced sharp criticism after separating graduating students by Primary Exit Profile results. Some pupils were barred from caps and gowns, wore uniforms instead, marched behind higher-performing classmates, and were seated at the back. Principal Mark Jackson said the arrangement was meant to motivate students, not humiliate them, and expressed regret for any harm caused. The Ministry of Education condemned the approach. Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon said, "No child should experience humiliation, exclusion, or discrimination in an institution entrusted with nurturing their development." Former Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn called the practice damaging to children's development and urged clarification and an apology if reports are accurate. Association of Principals President Lieutenant Colonel Paul Scott said principals would support national graduation guidelines for consistency, but added that Jackson told him he had not apologized and stood by the school's decision.

Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang dismissed reports that a property in Grand Penn, St. Mary, is being prepared for third-country migrants, urging residents to remain calm and warning that false claims are putting a retired public servant's property at risk. Opposition Senator Lambert Brown renewed calls for the government to release its memorandum of understanding with the United States on the transit of third-country nationals, saying Jamaicans should judge its safeguards for themselves.

Protesters gathered at Cross Roads in Kingston for the Stand for Jamaica demonstration, a nonpartisan call for greater government accountability and transparency. In Westmoreland, Savannah Lamar police are investigating the alleged attempted suicide of a 35-year-old constable at his home over the weekend after a marital dispute; he was taken to hospital in critical condition.

In St. Thomas, Jamaica Constabulary Force leaders said proactive planning and community partnerships have helped address crime as the parish expands. Area commander Assistant Commissioner Howard Chambers said years of infrastructure growth had been anticipated, while Divisional Commander Deputy Superintendent Ruhan Richie credited public trust and initiatives targeting domestic violence and school-related disorder, including Operation Nolinga.