NDM chief eyes WR St Andrew

By Vernon Daley, Staff Reporter

PRESIDENT OF the troubled National Democratic Movement (NDM), educator Hyacinth Bennett is to run for the West Rural St. Andrew constituency seat in the next general elections.

Mrs. Bennett, in an interview yesterday, said a formal announcement of her candidacy would be made at a party meeting at the end of this month.

"Put it this way -- I am due to be officially presented on September 30," Mrs. Bennett told The Gleaner.

The constituency is now held by Vernon Robinson of the People's National Party (PNP), but he will not be seeking re-election. The PNP has not yet announced its new candidate. Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) caretaker for the area is Andrew Gallimore.

Mrs. Bennett said confidently that she would be able to snatch a victory in the next general elections, constitutionally due by December 2002.

"I have lived in that constituency for over a decade...I think I stand a very good chance."

Mrs. Bennett was elected president of the NDM in May following the resignation of founding president, Bruce Golding.

The educator runs the Hydel Group of Schools in St. Catherine, has been sailing on troubled waters since taking over the leadership of the party.

There has been a reported falling out between herself and key party members, over what is said to be her authoritarian style.

The NDM was founded in 1995 following a major leadership rift in the JLP leading to the bleeding of several members, including Mr. Golding. The party has, however, failed to capture popular support and is now struggling to remain viable.

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