Devon Evans, Freelance WriterOCHO RIOS, St.Ann:
WITH THREE weeks to go to the November 6 annual conference of the Jamaica Labour Party, it appears as if there is overwhelming support throughout St. Ann for Bruce Golding to become the next leader of the Jamaica Labour Party.
With members of Parliament Shahine Robinson, Verna Parchment and Ernest Smith already firmly behind Mr. Golding, The Sunday Gleaner did a survey among elected JLP Councillors last week to see which of the two leadership aspirants had their support.
Councillor for the Exchange division in North East St. Ann, Mayor Delroy Giscombe, was forthright: "I am looking for a winner and a Prime Minister and not a runner," he argued. Mr. Giscombe said that all his 33 delegates will be voting for Mr. Golding.
Councillors Dalas Dickenson of the St. Ann's Bay division and Conrad Coombs of the Beecher Town division, also in North East St. Ann, said it was Golding all the way.
Councillor Coombs said almost all of his 14 delegates are expected to vote for Mr. Golding. "I love his ideas and his thinking and he will surely be an excellent leader."
Former Mayor Derrick Frater who represents the Alexandria division in Smith's South West St. Ann was a bit cautious in his response. Frater said he was not willing to disclose where his support lies and that he is not willing to speak on behalf of the 30 delegates in the division.
Councillors Anthony Waugh, Ann Leslie Mclean, Sydney Stewart, Winston Lawrence and Geoffrey Waugh and 90-100 per cent of their delegates are behind Golding.
But his colleague Councillor Anthony Waugh from the neighbouring Watt Town division did not hesitate to offer his support to Mr. Golding. "Only 2 of the 28 delegates might vote for Mr. Charles. Pearnel was my man but I think he has come a bit too late", councillor Waugh stated.
JLP Councillor caretaker for the Bensonton Division in South East St. Ann Leslie McLean reported that all 50 delegates in the division are going for Golding.
Mr. McLean believes Mr. Golding is the best candidate in terms of policy enunciation, constitutional reform and giving the people a greater say in the decision making process. "He will be able to attract the support of those who have been turned off from politics and the younger populations", he concluded.
Strong support for the Golding campaign is also coming from Mrs. Parchment North West St. Ann.
Deputy Mayor and Councillor for the Bamboo Division Sydney Stewart with 22 delegates, Councillor Winston Lawrence, Sturge Town Division with 30 delegates and Geoffrey Waugh have all guarantee well over 90 per cent of the votes for Golding Councillor Stewart said that only one of the delegates have not full made up his mind, but the others are all for Golding.
Councillor Lawrence said he is already assured of 95 per cent of his delegates voting for Golding. "I have found him to be a more statesman than Mr. Charles and I sincerely believe he will be a good leader."
