JulyRayon Dyer, Gleaner Writer
ST. ELIZABETH:
Former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) MP for South East St. Elizabeth, Cecil July, seems set to represent the constituency once more.
The Gleaner has been informed that Mr. July has accepted an invitation from the delegates to work with them, with the ultimate aim to be the caretaker for the constituency.
For the past months, South East St. Elizabeth has been without a caretaker following the sudden resignation of the JLP's Norman Horne, from that position.
Speaking with The Gleaner on Friday, councillor for the Malvern division, Donald Simpson, said there are three persons showing an interest in representing the constituency for the JLP. "However, I am prepared to work with the person who has the political experience and the one who I think can win the seat for the party in the next general election," he said.
Among the other persons who have indicated an interest in the constituency are Miguel Smith, businessman from Malvern, and attorney-at-law Jeremy Palmer.
approached by
several persons
When contacted by The Gleaner for a comment, Mr. July, who is also an attorney-at-law, said, "I have been approached by several persons in the constituency, about being their representative and after a long consideration I have expressed a willingness to offer myself for selection as their caretaker."
Mr. July said that he has no doubt that he can win South East St. Elizabeth for the JLP.
Shirley Myers, vice-chairman of the constituency executive, said he is in favour of the person who has the political experience and who would be able to organise the constituency and put it back in the highest state of preparedness for the next general election.
"Yes, I agree with you that of the three aspirants, Mr. July, who served as MP between 1980-1983, would be the more experienced of them," said Mr. Myers, who is also deputy mayor of Black River and councillor for the Southfield Division.
Cetany Holness, vice-chairman of the Junction divisional executive, told The Gleaner that Mr. July, "will be able to take the seat home for the JLP."
South East St. Elizabeth was at the centre of an internal party struggle approximately three weeks ago. Jamaica Labour Party deputy leader in charge of western Jamaica, Dr. Horace Chang, pulled his licensed firearm, allegedly to ward off party supporters after they became boisterous at a constituency executive meeting in Treasure Beach.
