PNP's Desmond Chambers retains Above Rocks division following magisterial recount

The People's National Party's Desmond Chambers has been confirmed as the winner of the Above Rocks division in St Catherine following a magisterial recount today.

The Jamaica Labour Party's Neil Powell, who requested the recount, emerged from the courthouse before the end of the exercise where he indicated that he accepted defeat.

"I have conceded defeat even with four boxes remain. I have no one to blame, as I thought that I couldn't lose,” Powell told The Gleaner.

“….Until we reach a stage where people are duly elected without the amount of money you have, then we are in dark days," Powell added.

At the end of last Monday's local government election, Powell received 828 votes to 845 by Chambers, a difference of 17 votes.

With the recount, Chambers polled 859 votes while Powell received 836.

Powell was represented by attorney Tom Tavares-Finson, while Chambers was represented by K.D. Knight.

The recount was presided over by Senior Parish Court Judge Yvette Wenthworth-Miller. 

Meanwhile, following the confirmation of his victory, Chambers said he intends to make the training of youth and the development of road and water supply major parts of his work in the division.

In the meantime, the magisterial recount for the Ginger Ridge division is scheduled for tomorrow. 

The JLP's Jeremiah Edwards received 1,017 votes while the PNP's Ralston Wilson got 1,005 votes.

- Rasbert Turner

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