Irene Sandiford-Garner Resigns from Democratic Labour Party Amid Turmoil
August 30, 2024
Irene Sandiford-Garner, a prominent figure in the Democratic Labour Party, has resigned citing principles and recent events, amidst turmoil within the party including expulsions and warnings to other members.
One of the most prominent faces of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Irene Sandiford-Garner has resigned from the party.
In the latest twist in the ongoing DLP saga Sandiford-Garner, a former candidate for St Andrew and a senator during the DLP 2008-2018 term in office, submitted her resignation letter today and when contacted said she had enough and was standing by her principles.
Her letter states in part: “Pursuant to my earlier email this letter serves to formally notify of my resignation from the Democratic Labour Party.
“I have always joined organisations to serve. I derived great joy – and some moments of sorrow – during my more than two decades of membership. It has never been an easy road but it was travelled with commitment and determination in the secure knowledge that this party was the better one for our country.
“I serve organisations based on if their actions conform with my principles. The behaviours of late should never rest easy within the bosom of any true Dem. The weekend of August 24 must be referenced. The persons mistreated were our brothers and sisters for decades. All that was required was competent management. Those who instructed and enforced locking DLP members out of a property they had all rights to enter will be forever remembered in the annals of shame and reflected on with disgust.”
She said recent public utterances in relation to a woman’s age “was the final straw”.
The resignation comes in the midst of turmoil as the party’s annual conference last weekend was upstaged with disruptions on day two and three prompted mainly by the expulsion of former president Dr Ronnie Yearwood and former general secretary Steve Blackett.
Then warning letters were issued to Undene Whittaker, to another stalwart of the party along with Tyra Trotman and Stacia Browne citing public statements allegedly made by them.
In addition two other members of the party received revocation letters in relation to their positions on the executive council.
