Surge of young voters turn South St James orange
Published:Tuesday | February 27, 2024 | 3:11 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
ST JAMES Southern experienced a resurgence reminiscent of its vibrant past on Monday night, as the results of the 17th local government election unfolded with a win for the People’s National Party (PNP). A surge in young voters have been attributed to the victory.
Martin Kellier from Welcome Hall, Anthony Swaby from Maroon Town, and Kenroy Gordon from Catadupa – representatives of the PNP – secured triumphant wins, displacing the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Gregory Wint, Everes Coke, and Clifford Bernard.
The architect behind the victory, caretaker Nekeisha Burchell, affirmed to The Gleaner that the outstanding performance of the candidates was bolstered by a remarkable surge in young voter turnout, significantly influencing the election outcome.
Burchell, who also serves as the PNP’s shadow minister for communications and information, emphasised, “Securing three out of four divisions underscores the resolute backing of the community and their resounding call for change.”
She reassured the constituents of the PNP’s steadfast commitment to delivering the change they demand, asserting that South St James should prepare for a transformative journey ahead.
“We’re only just beginning,” she vowed.
GRATITUDE
Newcomer Swaby, who clinched the Maroon Town seat from Coke after his seven-year tenure, expressed overwhelming elation and gratitude.
“The hard work has truly paid off,” he exclaimed, amid the jubilant atmosphere surrounding him.
“The entire division is alive with celebration, revelling in the victory we fought hard for,” Swaby added.
Scheduled for inauguration at the St James Municipal Corporation on Thursday, he eagerly anticipates serving the constituents who placed their trust in him.
Meanwhile, in Somerton, Michael Allen secured victory over Mark McGann, who held the position for the past seven years.
Notably, Somerton is traditionally a stronghold for the PNP.
Seven-star general Michael Troupe confidently anticipated victory in the Granville divisional seat as early as 5 p.m. on Monday. His premonitions were validated by noon, solidifying his enduring 28-year tenure against newcomer Jovian Kerr.
Addressing doubters, Troupe emphasised, “Every election, retirement rumours surface, but I’ve consistently proven them wrong. My dedication and accessibility to the division speak volumes.”
He reiterated his commitment to serving all constituents, regardless of party affiliation.
Troupe highlighted the conspicuous absence of JLP supporters at the polls, despite allegations of high-level party executives distributing money in the division.
Initially predicting a PNP victory in seven seats in St James, he revised his forecast to a commanding 12 seats on Monday morning. Ultimately, the PNP secured six seats, a notable increase from the previous count of four.
Kerry Thomas faced a fierce battle to emerge victorious over the formidable JLP candidate Rena Forbes in the Mt Salem division.
Among the PNP candidates who did not secure victory were Jodian Colamathi in Spring Mount, Ronaldo Jackson in Glendevon, Sylvan Reid and Ronald Anglin in Norwood, Andrew Henry in Montego Bay North East, Jason Cummings in Rose Hall, Lanzel Stewart in Montego Bay South East, Alan Bernard in Flanker, Reddington McIntyre, Anchovy/Cambridge and Gordon Baldie in Montego Bay South.