Delano Seiveright suspends campaign to become JLP candidate in St. Andrew North Central

 

Amid escalating tensions over who should replace Karl Samuda as the Jamaica Labour Party's representative for St. Andrew North Central, one of the aspirants, JLP Senator Delano Seiveright, has decided to suspend his campaign to succeed the veteran parliamentarian. 

 

Delegates of the constituency reportedly confronted JLP General Secretary Dr. Horace Chang on Monday night over the impasse in the selection process. Hours later, Senator Seiveright issued a video statement declaring that he is suspending his campaign in the constituency.

 

"Let me say this clearly. No one, absolutely no one is bigger than the party. And beyond that, no one bigger than Jamaica. This is why we do what we do because we choose Jamaica every single time. With that said, and after careful thought and consultation, we will, with immediate effect, suspend our campaign," he announced. 

 

"While the momemtum has been incredible, we acknowledge that it is becoming a distraction and giving space to those who seek to create division and confusion. This pause allows the party, including every delegate and every worker, the breathing room to help determine the future of North Central St. Andrew, a constituency that has been ably led by the honourable Karl Samuda."

 

Senator Seiveright announced on Good Friday, April 18, that he had applied to be the party's representative in the constituency. 

 

It's believed that the move disrupted plans by the party to install attorney-at-law Christian Tavares-Finson as Mr. Samuda's replacement in the constituency, considered a safe seat for the JLP. 

 

Senator Seiveright had been endorsed by Mr. Samuda and both councillors in the constituency. He was elected constituency vice chairman last November with the endorsement of Mr. Samuda.