VAZ and SAMUDA
Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
BUSINESSMAN DARYL Vaz was elected vice-chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) East Portland constituency on Thursday, at a workers business session held at Fair Prospect Primary School, Portland.
More than 250 people consisting of delegates, party workers and other persons qualified to vote gave their approval to Mr. Vaz. The entire five divisions of the constituency were also heavily represented by indoor agents, who were active in the 2002 General Election, along with members of the executive who were elected at parish divisional conferences.
"This conference was conducted smoothly," said Karl Samuda, general secretary of the JLP. "Not only was the constituency well represented, but also all the divisions were accounted for in terms of representation."
WITHOUT RECOGNITION
Mr. Samuda noted that the purpose of the meeting was to elect an executive body for the constituency of Eastern Portland. He said that the constituency has been functioning with an executive for the last two years, without the recognition, knowledge and approval of the JLP executive.
"Mr. Vaz was elected vice-chairman by acclamation, unopposed. We also verified the number of persons who are eligible to vote. This now means that a level of transparency should be guaranteed, based on this new development here in East Portland," Mr. Samuda added.
This election is undoubtedly a turnaround of fortunes for Mr. Vaz who, at long last, is seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. His political career has been dogged by controversy and allegations, including alleged vote-buying in the race for vice-presidency of the JLP Area Council Two between Olivia 'Babsy' Grange and James Robertson in 2003.
Mr. Vaz, then campaign manager for Mr. Robertson, came under criticism from the leadership of the JLP, which alleged that tainted money may have been used during the campaign which ensured victory for them. Shortly after it was also alleged that he was also involved in the bribing of delegates prior to the election.
But with this election win, Mr. Vaz now assumes the role of vice-chairman, a position previously held by Benny White, the controversial JLP Councillor, who sided with People's National Party (PNP) Councillors at the Portland Parish Council (PPC) to un-seat sitting Mayor, Alston Hunter.
"My appointment as vice-chairman is a timely one," said Mr. Vaz. "I have done a lot of work here in East Portland, and to set the record straight, the campaign handled by me in the local government elections of 2003, won the fellowship division for the JLP in East Portland, something that never seemed remotely possible.
Mr. Vaz noted that his track record speaks for itself and that it was a confident Bruce Golding, chairman of the JLP who insisted that he was to be sent to East Portland, to remobilise the respective division, and to ensure a JLP victory at the Fairy Hill and Manchioneal division.
THE CHALLENGE
"I accepted the challenge, but only on the condition that it had to be sanctioned by the leadership of the JLP along with Edward Seaga. This was done, and thus my work and commitment reap just rewards," Mr. Vaz commented.
The appointment of Mr. Vaz as vice-chairman of the constituency is just one of his more recent victories, as his application for membership in the JLP was accepted on August 17.
"Yes I have aspirations to become JLP caretaker for Eastern Portland. But at present what is of utmost importance is to focus and concentrate on Mr. Golding's campaign, to ensure victory in the leadership race in November, for the JLP," he added.
The constituency meeting may have been marked by the absence of chairman and caretaker, Dr. Dennis Minott, who according to Mr. Samuda, was informed about the meeting.
