Sharon silenced! - Campbell wallops former Comrade in NE St Catherine

Attorney-at-law Leslie Campbell yesterday secured the right to represent the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in North East St Catherine, but his victory has left some Labourities fuming.

Campbell secured 111 votes to decimate former parliamentarian Sharon Hay Webster, who enjoyed the backing of only 36 of the delegates.

Reopened old wounds

But there were immediate signs that the victory reopened old wounds as some JLP supporters charged that they were betrayed and vowed to stay away from upcoming polls.

The Labourities who backed Hay Webster were adamant that, while they would not vote against their party, they would not vote for Campbell despite efforts by some of his supporters to reach out to the former People's National Party member of parliament.

The stage was set for an enthralling contest in the constituency from early yesterday as both candidates expressed confidence quite early.

"Let the result show. My canvas shows that I have excellent support," Hay Webster told The Sunday Gleaner.

"Once that (the canvass) delivers, we will see the result at the end of the day," added Hay Webster as she expressed satisfaction with the arrangements put in place for the election.

Campbell spent the day surrounded by vociferous supporters all clad in green T-shirts with images of his face emblazoned with the tag 'Leslie Campbell'.

Predicted victory

More than two hours before the polls closed he predicted victory.

"The people have spoken," said Campbell as he scoffed at claims that he was being premature.

"Not at all; I have confidence. When people speak with me, they know who I am. I bring to this process my integrity. I haven't offered them money, I haven't offered them pigs, just my integrity," said Campbell, who obviously enjoyed the support of Gregory Mair, the outgoing MP.