Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer
Dr. D.K. Duncan (centre) and a few People's National Party (PNP) supporters at the Bethel Primary School in Hopewell Hanover yesterday. - PHOTO BY JANET SILVERA
WESTERN BUREAU:
ELIGIBLE DELEGATES in Eastern Hanover sent a clear message to the People's National Party (PNP) hierarchy yesterday when a large percentage boycotted the selection of a candidate to represent the division in the next general elections.
Of the 639 qualified delegates that turned out at the Bethel Primary and Junior High School in Hopewell, Hanover, only a mere 227 supporters cast their votes giving Savanna-la-Mar Mayor, Councillor Delford Morgan, a kick-start in the right direction.
Morgan received 99 votes while his nearest rival, former Mayor of Lucea, Lloyd Hill, took 86 and Cleveland Wright, 28.
Those who did not vote said they refused to because they were waiting on the 'people's choice' Dr. D.K. Duncan.
FRONTLINE REPRESENTATIVE
"Hanover needs a front line representative, not a back bencher, somebody who can address a number of serious issues affecting the constituency," Robert Hendriks, National Executive Council (NEC) member, told The Gleaner.
Mr. Hendriks said that, since former minister Francis Tulloch left the constituency, there has been no good representation. "The majority of the people here want D.K Duncan, I don't see where we have the home grown talent in Hanover to win the next election."
Like Hendriks, former Lucea Mayor, Moncrieffe Leslie, said he brought 200 persons from the communities of Hopewell, Sandy Bay and Chester Castle to register their protest. "D.K. Duncan's name should have been on the ballot."
Dr. Duncan's name was not on the slate as he had not indicated to the party until yesterday that he had an interest in the rural seat which is currently held by the Jamaica Labour Party's Barrington Gray.
EXPERIENCE
"I will represent the constituency on three basis; if there can be unity after the selection process is over, if the people on the ground want me and if the party leadership is in support," said Dr. Duncan who told The Gleaner that for the past three weeks the people have been asking him to represent them.
As much as he got a large number of the supporters, those who do not welcome him into the parish have labeled him a traitor, having left the PNP for the National Democratic Movement (NDM) a few years ago.
"D.K. Duncan has betrayed the party before and he said some bad things about the party in the past," said Dalton Barker of Sandy Bay.
In the meantime, Region Six chairman Derrick Kellier said the election was an indicative one. "This is one in three steps to determine who will be the best candidate to represent the party in Hanover," Mr Kellier said.
