JLP clings to Southboro division following magisterial recount

By Clinton McGregor   

 

The Southboro division in St. Catherine has been decided, with just four votes separating the Jamaica Labour Party's Damara Lawson from the People's National Party's Everton Shakes.

 

At the end of the magisterial recount on Friday, Ms. Lawson tallied 1,012 votes to 1,008 for Mr. Shakes.

 

Attorney Carolyn Chuck, who represented Ms. Lawson, said the recount was a fair exercise that confirmed her client's position.

 

Ms. Lawson has said she is ready to carry out her mandate as councillor to ensure road rehabilitation and a proper water supply system in the division. 

 

She also plans to focus on promoting education and skills training.

 

"I am very firm on education as I am an educator. So the aim is to get persons on board, get them to change their mindset, focus and seize the opportunities offered by the HEART Institute to get training for those persons who recently left school and are without any skill set. So we are focusing on those persons as well as our PEP students and their upcoming exams and just general education for the public," she shared. 

 

Dr. Kes Miller, who represented Mr. Shakes, said his client has conceded defeat.

 

The People's National Party won nine of the 12 Portmore divisions in the Local Government Election.