'Substance over hype': Buchanan reacts to unseating Ann-Marie Vaz

 

Political newcomer Isat Buchanan has reacted to his unseating of Ann-Marie Vaz in the Portland Eastern constituency in Wednesday's general election.

 

Mr. Buchanan polled 5,636 votes to take the win for the People's National Party over Mrs. Vaz's 5,224. Tracey-Ann Gillespie Harris of the Jamaica Progressive Party received 23 of the votes.

 

Speaking with the media, the MP-elect said he was elated by the victory.

 

"When I say God and time, I know what that means. Substance over hype. There comes a time in a nation where beautiful speaking will always overcome dancing," he said, taking a jab at his Jamaica Labour Party opponent.

 

Mr. Buchanan was asked whether his connection to dancehall entertainer Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidjah Palmer, gave him the edge.

 

"No, let me tell you something. Way before Vybz Kartel, there were persons who I would have freed from an unjust justice system. Our Constitution is what won this election. There are people in Portland Eastern that are disenfranchised. And when you talk about land grab, when you talk about corruption, the people of Portland know that they need to be a part of this society. And that is what caused it, the love of the people of Portland," he declared.

 

Efforts to reach Mrs. Vaz have so far been unsuccessful.