Hylton says PNP comfortable in St Andrew Western

A sea of orange-clad supporters of the People's National Party (PNP) led by dancers, a marching band, and more than a dozen motorcyclists descended on Herrick Avenue in St Andrew for Edith Dalton James High School where candidates for the opposition party were nominated early Thursday.

Supporters carried several banners bearing the images of Member of Parliament for St Andrew Western Anthony Hylton and his three candidates - Michelle Thomas, Byron Clarke, and Hazel Anderson – who are contesting the February 26 local government election as scores of students rushed from their classrooms to observe.

Thomas is expected to contest the Duhaney Park Division, Clarke the Waterhouse Division and Anderson the Seaview Gardens Division.

"PNP, PNP nuh Labourite," several students shouted, while others declared, "Andrew for life."

The latter reference was in relation to Jamaica Labour Party leader, Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

A voice over the school's intercom urged all students to return to classes and for form teachers to oversee them.

At the same time, members of the security forces held a tight rein on the school's gates, admitting only 14 PNP members, including MP and candidates.

The candidates were accompanied by three supporters each who, under law, are required to nominate them.

A shortlived disagreement within the PNP group ensued over who were to be allowed to carry out the seeming privilege.

Sorted, the crew made its way to the school's drama room where the three were subsequently nominated.

The $3,000 nomination fees were paid using the old thousand-dollar notes which bear the image of former PNP President Michael Manley by Thomas, while Clarke and Anderson used the new notes.

Hylton told The Gleaner that his candidates are comfortable in all three divisions, downplaying concerns that the PNP may be in trouble in the Seaview Gardens Division.

He said that the coronavirus pandemic impacted votes for the party in the division during the general election.

Hylton lost the division to the JLP's Dorlan Francis by 63 votes, polling 1,726 votes to 1,789 votes in the 2020 general election.

In the 2016 local government election, the PNP's Anderson won the division, securing 1,309 votes to 975 secured by Reverance James Marine of the JLP.

- Kimone Francis 

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