One first-time People’s National Party (PNP) councillor is defending the three-day retreat staged by the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) in Ocho Rios, St Ann, this weekend.

According to Khari Douglas, who represents the Trafalgar Division in South East St Andrew, the retreat will benefit other newcomers from both political parties as they would come away with a clearer understanding of their roles and functions.

The retreat was thrown into controversy after Jamaica Labour Party Councillor, Duane Smith questioned whether the KSAC could justify the cost involved, given its financial constraints.

But Miss Douglas, while not outlining specifically the advantages of staging the retreat in the resort town, believes the retreat was necessary. She says it will help the KSAC to conduct its affairs in a manner that will help to improve the standard of living for the people of the Corporate Area.