4 months ago
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The Jamaica Labour Party, JLP, has confirmed that it will refer Councillor Dr. Garfield James to its selection committee and central executive as the party’s candidate-in-waiting for Western Westmoreland.
This follows Sunday’s internal selection exercise, in which Dr. James secured the majority of votes in a contest against the sitting member of parliament, Morland Wilson.
It’s understood Dr. James got home by only four votes.
Robian Williams reports.
In a statement on Monday, JLP general secretary, Dr. Horace Chang, thanked both Dr. Garfield James and member of parliament, Morland Wilson, for their engagement in the democratic process.
Dr. Chang also expressed appreciation to the workers and delegates who turned out for the vote.
Dr. Chang says he’s confident that unity will prevail within the JLP family in Western Westmoreland, noting that the selection process reflects the party’s commitment to democratic participation and transparency.
The candidate selection process involved a constituency audit, polling, consultations, and a selection exercise.
Dr. James, who is currently councillor for the Sheffield division and principal of Little London High School, was widely believed to have won Sunday’s vote, although official confirmation was pending until Monday’s announcement.
Dr. James is among two former People’s National Party, PNP, councillors who joined the JLP after resigning in protest against the PNP’s selection of Ian Hayles as caretaker for the constituency.
In the 2020 general elections, MP Wilson secured 6,148 votes, defeating then-PNP candidate Wykeham McNeill, who polled 5,095 votes.
The party is now expected to formally ratify Dr. James’ candidacy through its central executive in the coming weeks, ahead of the next general elections.
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