Gareth Davis, Gleaner WriterPORT ANTONIO, Portland
AS THE race to fill the vacant position of Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) caretaker for the East Portland constituency intensifies, one of the challengers, Errol Hanna, is claiming to be the most popular among the delegates.
With the delegates slated to go to the polls tomorrow to elect a new caretaker for the constituency, due to the resignation of Dr. Dennis Minott last year, Mr. Hanna is now claiming that more than 80 per cent of the delegates eligible to vote are pledging their support for him.
"I am 95 per cent confident that I will be elected as the new caretaker," Mr. Hanna said this week. "Already, I have met with more than 200 delegates who have also indicated to me that I am the only suitable candidate, at this time, to provide quality representation for the people and the JLP."
Approximately 249 delegates from the Rio Grande Valley, Manchioneal, Long Bay, Fairy Hill and its surroundings, along with Port Antonio will decide who is to assume the position of caretaker.
STIFF CHALLENGE
Mr. Hanna is expected to face a stiff challenge from the other contender, Dennis Wright, a former JLP caretaker, during the Edward Seaga-led administration. Mr. Wright, a survivor of three previous elections, has reportedly made up ground since his return to the parish in which he had gained popularity.
Meantime JLP parish co-ordinator, Daryl Vaz, has confirmed that the third caretaker aspirant, Hugh Perry, has withdrawn from the race for reasons not yet specified.
Mr. Vaz, who is also caretaker for the West Portland constituency, said the stage is being set for the delegates to decide who is to represent them. He said that each candidate is in a state of readiness and is eagerly awaiting the results.
The JLP's new East Portland caretaker is expected to go up against People's National Party Member of Parliament for the constituency, Dr. Donald Rhodd, at the next general election.
