Mixed Reactions in JLP to News of Seiveright’s Campaign Suspension

Nationwide News understands that the move by Delano Seiveright to suspend his bid for the North Central St. Andrew seat is receiving mixed reactions in the hierarchy of the governing party.

Daina Davy has our story.

It’s understood that some senior party officials are perplexed by Tuesday’s announcement, given that they had been led to believe several days ago, that Seiveright had already shelved his interest in the seat.

Our sources say the feeling in the party is that Seiveright’s big gamble to secure himself a safe JLP seat in the corporate area, may turn out to be the fly that spoilt the ointment.

Delano Seiveright had long been regarded in JLP circles as the heir apparent to Tourism Minister, Ed Bartlett in Bartlett’s East Central St. James constituency.

He was reportedly being groomed as Bartlett’s successor, both in Government and representational politics.

They say that’s why several members of the JLP top brass were stunned, when on Good Friday, Seiveright submitted an application to replace Karl Samuda in North Central St. Andrew.

They say the development landed like a hammer blow, given that before the announcement, Seiveright had indicated his satisfaction with his positioning and projected path as a member of the Senate and State Minister for Tourism.

Some in the JLP believe Seiveright deceived the JLP leader and Prime Minister, along with the party’s secretariat.

But Seiveright’s allies say their guy did not deceive Andrew Holness.

Neither they say, did he defy or disrespect the party secretariat.

When contacted this afternoon for comment, the other JLP applicant for the North Central St. Andrew seat, Christian Tavares-Finson declined to comment.