Adrian Frater, News Editor
BUCHANAN
WESTERN BUREAU:
FORTY-FOUR-YEAR-OLD DR. Norman Buchanan was yesterday selected to replace Prime Minister P.J. Patterson as the People's National Party's (PNP) candidate for Eastern Westmoreland in the next general election, constitutionally due by 2007.
Dr. Buchanan, a former president of the PNP Youth Organisation (PNPYO), was selected by acclamation at the Maud McLeod High School in Darliston.
Dr. Victor Watt, who was given the green light by the party to challenge for the position, pulled out of the race on Monday, citing concerns over the delegates' list.
Prior to asking the delegates if Dr. Buchanan was their choice in the acclamation exercise, the Prime Minister explained to them that the party had investigated the concerns about the delegates' list and had found that they lacked merit.
30-YEAR REIGN
The selection of Dr. Buchanan, who is a nephew of both Water and Housing Minister Donald Buchanan and Government Senator Noel Monteith, signalled the beginning of the end of Prime Minister Patterson's 30-year reign as PNP chairman for the Eastern Westmoreland constituency. Mr. Patterson has served as Member of Parliament for 25 years.
Dr. Buchanan praised the Prime Minister for his stewardship of the constituency and thanked the delegates for standing by him over the years. He promised to be a worthy successor to the outgoing MP and said his aim was to provide the best possible representation.
