Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
PORT ANTONIO:
JAMAICA LABOUR Party (JLP) delegates for Eastern Portland voted Dennis Wright as caretaker for the constituency yesterday. He will, at the next general election, face Dr. Donald Rhodd, State Minister for National Security.
Dennis Wright polled 123 votes while his opponent, Errol Hanna obtained 53 ballots. Just 176 delegates voted out of a total of 229.
MANY CHANCES
For Mr. Wright, yesterday's victory represented the fourth time the party was giving him an opportunity to become a Member of Parliament. He had unsuccessfully contested three general elections, for seats in Portland and St. Thomas.
Mr. Wright, who was in a jubilant mood, said the work of the party to win the Eastern Portland seat had just begun. He urged the party faithful to demonstrate unity as a key strategy in securing the seat.
"I am back home, to bring victory to the JLP," said Mr Wright. "The delegates still remembers the tremendous amount of work which I did in Eastern Portland during the 1980s."
Although the turnout of delegates were not at its fullest, early indications had favoured losing candidate Errol Hanna. But when the boxes were counted and the announcement was made by deputy general secretary, Andre Franklin, of the Jamaica Labour Party, it was the old stalwart who emerged victorious.
JLP deputy leader, James Robertson in addressing the crowd said the democratic process of the party had prevailed and that the delegates have spoken. Mr. Hanna, who was gracious in defeat, congratulated Mr. Wright on a long and hard fought victory. Mr Hanna said, that despite his loss, he is willing to serve alongside Mr Wright, to remobilise the people in Eastern Portland to ensure victory for the JLP at the next general election.
