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Businessman Evon Redman was given the nod by delegates to represent the People's National Party, PNP, in the constituency of St. Elizabeth North Eastern.
Of the 850 eligible voters, 467 cast their ballots in a ratification exercise at the Santa Cruz Primary and Junior High School. Three hundred and thirty-nine delegates voted in favour of Redman being the candidate, 127 voted no and there was one spoilt ballot.
According to Hopeton McCatty, who supervised the election, the decision will have to be ratified by the PNP's National Executive Council.
Redman said his first order of business is to build back the constituency's political organization and unite the members. “We are all comrades and starting now we should al work togther in uniting the constituency. At this time I think the most importnat job i have to do is to rebuild the constituency,” he said.
He also hopes that the delegates' decision will be ratified by the Party's National Executive Council (NEC). He said if elected as Member of Parliament, his first priority will be the construction of a proper drainage system for Santa Cruz to alleviate the frequent flooding which occurs in the commercial district when ever it rains.
St Elizabeth North Eastern had been in turmoil with supporters for Member of Parliament Raymond Pryce and. Redman facing off.
The PNP made the decision not to have Pryce contest the seat after one of his supporters took the party to court resulting in a halt in the selection exercise.
No to Hay Webster
In the opposition Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) candidate selection exercise for North East St. Catherine, Sharon Hay Webster failed in her bid to represent the party in the constituency.
Of the 180 delegates eligible to vote, 111 selected Leslie Campbell as the candidate with Hay Webster receiving 34 votes.
“You live and you learn; the people have spoken; the voice of the people is the voice of God,” said a disappointed Hay Webster.
Delegates in four divisions cast their ballots during the selection exercise which got underway at 12:30 and closed at 4:30 pm.
St.Catherine West Central selection exercise
Results are expected shortly in the St. Catherine West Central constituency where Dr. Christopher Tufton and Councillor for the Point Hill Division, Devon Wint, are vying to become the JLP’s candidate.
Polls are now closed in all four divisions where voting took place. Voting began at 1 pm and ended at 6 pm.
Senator Arthur Williams, who is a member of Dr. Tufton's campaign team, said the process went smoothly.
There were no reported incidents, despite the late start of voting.
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