JLP Gen Sec says Party Not Out of Time to Settle Vacant Seats

“We are not out of time!” That’s the declaration of Jamaica Labour Party, JLP, general secretary, Dr. Horace Chang, regarding the party’s unsettled seats of North Central St Andrew and North East Manchester ahead of the general elections.

Some Labourites from North Central St Andrew descended upon the JLP’s head office on Belmont Road in St. Andrew Monday evening to voice concerns about who will succeed MP Karl Samuda. Samuda is not seeking re-election.

Some Labourites are concerned the leadership of the JLP will impose a standard-bearer on the constituency. But Dr. Chang says that would never be the party’s approach.

The two North Central St Andrew aspirants are state minister of Tourism, Senator Delano Seiveright and attorney Christian Tavares-Finson. Christian is the son of senate president, Tom Tavares-Finson.

The toss-up follows Seiveright’s announcement on Good Friday that he would be vying to represent the JLP in North Central St. Andrew. It’s understood that Seiveright’s announcement raised eyebrows within the party.

Nationwide sources said Christian was to have shortly been named the standard-bearer. Dr. Chang was asked if Seiveright’s announcement caught the party off-guard.

Meanwhile, Dr. Chang reiterates that the party is not considering a selection contest to settle North Central St Andrew.

Dr. Horace Chang, JLP general secretary. He was speaking on Cliff Hughes Online on Tuesday.