Portmore mayoral candidates confident of victory as independent joins race

By Nakinskie Robinson    

 

The two candidates from the main political parties gunning for Mayorship in the Portmore Municipal Corporation have expressed confidence that they will come out on top at the close of voting on February 26.

 

The incumbent, Leon Thomas, of the People's National Party, who moved to defend his record of development, said several infrastructure projects were implemented during his tenure, which will serve as a pull factor at the poll.

 

He referenced road improvement projects, establishing the sidewalk along the roadway heading to Helshire, drain rehabilitation among other things.

 

Mayor Thomas gave a biting remark when asked how he measured up against his main opponent Markland Edwards, who is also widely known. 

 

"I have no doubt that I will remain the mayor. My involvement in Portmore is from age 23. I was the youngest member of the Portmore Joint Citizen Association. I was a member of the Portmore Joint Citizen of Association and before George Lee, and I served my community for eight and a half years as the president of the citizen association. So my involvement speaks a lot. I  never worked on a radio station, but I work in Portmore. My involvement in Portmore, that is what I am banking on, and I know the people of Portmore recognise my work, my effort, and also my integrity," he insisted. 

 

Mr. Thomas was a guest on the Morning Agenda on Power 106 FM.

 

He said discussions are ongoing to build-out much needed infrastructure across Portmore but maintained that he is committed to the task. 

 

Meanwhile, his main contender and political neophyte Markland Edwards said he has no reservations about a victory on a Jamaica Labour Party ticket.

 

He fired back at Mayor Thomas's record of achievement, arguing that there are still important issues plaguing areas in Portmore. 

 

"We need a mayor with vision. We need a mayor that is accessible. Though I might be running on a JLP ticket, I will not be a mayor for members of the Jamaica Labour Party. I will be a mayor for the residents of Portmore. I want to make Portmore the people's place, and I want to be the people's mayor because there are issues, there are a lot of concerns, a lot of things to be done," he said, citing concerns about streetlights and road infrastructure.  

 

 

At the same time, a third candidate has indicated his intention to join the Portmore mayoral race.

 

Howard Hamilton confirmed with Radio Jamaica News on Wednesday afternoon that he will be vying to lead the municipality as an independent candidate.

 

Mr. Hamilton believes he has a strong chance of becoming Mayor, telling Radio Jamaica News he feel "upbeat".  

 

"I believe given my body of work over the years in representation as a community leader, I think I'd make a big difference in the leadership of Portmore."  

 

Mr. Hamilton suggested representatives from the main political parties usually serve interest of the party that they represent. But he believes his independent status will allow him to better serve the interest of the people and ensure they have a say in the future of the municipality. 

 

The former chairman of the Greater Portmore Joint Council was a key voice in lobbying against certain developments on the Portmore leg of Highway 2000 which were affecting residents.

 

He has also been a key voice in the call for the municipality's boundary issues to be resolved and for residents to be consulted on Portmore gaining parish status. 

 

Of the 14 municipal corporations, the Municipality of Portmore is the only one where the Mayor is directly elected.