Sav councillor says she’s not abandoning the people; quits PNP

SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland — Though councillor for the Savanna-la-Mar Division Julian Chang has resigned from the People’s National Party (PNP), she is reassuring faithful supporters that she is not abandoning them.

“I’m not leaving the people behind. I’m here to serve. I will stay with them,” she told the Jamaica Observer Monday.

Elected on an Opposition party ticket, she has had a torrid time since then. Now an independent councillor, she has promised to speak more, at a later date, on what led to Monday’s letter to the PNP general secretary in which she tendered her resignation with immediate effect.

“This decision has not been made lightly. My association with the party has provided me with valuable experiences and opportunities to serve the people of my community and to contribute to the democratic process. For these experiences, and for the relationships I have formed over the years, I remain sincerely grateful,” Chang said in a copy of the letter seen by the Observer.

“At this time, I believe it is in my best interest to step away and pursue a different path. While events going back as far as two years have prompted much public discussion, with no resolution, I do not wish for my departure to be viewed through the lens of bitterness or division. Rather, I choose to leave with respect for the many individuals who continue to serve the party with dedication and commitment,” she added.

The first-term councillor extended her gratitude to the party leadership, her colleagues, supporters, and everyone she worked alongside during her tenure.

“I remain committed to the principles of service, integrity, and the advancement of the people of Jamaica, and I look forward to contributing to national development in whatever capacity the future may allow. I wish the party and its members every success in their future endeavours,” argued Chang.

Chang has been publicly at odds with Westmoreland Central Member of Parliament (MP) Dwayne Vaz.

While the two reportedly worked well together before the February 2024 Local Government Election, a clear rift developed ahead of the September 2025 General Election, culminating in Chang being removed from the constituency executive’s WhatsApp group 12 days before the polls.

Tensions escalated further when Chang was replaced as constituency chairperson, despite showing up uninvited to the selection meeting on August 12, 2025. The PNP hierarchy reportedly stated at the time that the new selection was not recognised.

A fisherman from Hudson Street who gave his name as Randy, said he will take his vote wherever councillor for the Savanna-la-Mar Division Julian Chang goes. (Photo: Anthony Lewis)

Earlier this year, it was revealed that the party would be establishing a committee to investigate allegations of sexual harassment brought by Chang against Vaz, who has denied the claims.

In a press release issued Monday afternoon, the PNP addressed that issue, saying it wanted “to place on record that, in good faith and through its various internal structures, considerable efforts were made to address and mediate the concerns that had arisen between Councillor Chang and others within the constituency leadership”.

The party emphasised that it remains steadfast in its mission to provide strong representation, advance policies that improve the lives of the Jamaican people, and continue building a better future for all. The PNP also thanked Chang for her service and contributions during her tenure and wished her well in her future endeavours.

President of the Cooke Street Benevolence Society Bishop Oneil Russell said the resignation was expected as Chang was not treated with respect.

“They bring her down, they tear her down,” he told the Observer Monday.

Russell, who said Chang was a good councillor, said she has indicated that she is yet not ready to cross the floor and into the arms of the Jamaica Labour Party.

“But it is going in that direction,” he said.

A fisherman from Hudson Street who gave his name as Randy also spoke well of Chang.

“If she goes to the Labourite side, me gone. Anywhere Chang go, ah there we ah go,” he vowed.