'No parachuting' - JLP supporters protest in St Andrew North Central

Some disgruntled Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) supporters in St Andrew North Central today staged a protest along Shortwood Road as they pressed the party’s leadership on the selection of a candidate for the impending general election.

Internal tensions within the JLP over who will be selected to run to replace Member of Parliament Karl Samuda took an unexpected turn on Sunday when both potential candidates, Senator Delano Seiveright and Christian Tavares-Finson, formally withdrew their petitions to represent the constituency.

According to the party, the men’s application withdrawals will allow for a resetting of the process of finalising a candidate.

Some of the protesters gave their backing to Seiveright, arguing that they do not want an outsider.

"Is like they want to parachute somebody on us," one supporter directed at the JLP leadership.

“We need to know what is going on… we need somebody who we can gravitate to, go around with, talk to, and stuff like that. We are running out of time,” he added.

Last week, tensions erupted within the party over allegations that the leadership was preparing to overlook Seiveright in favour of Tavares-Finson.

This triggered talks of street protests in the constituency, a JLP stronghold, just months before the general election is due in September.

Seiveright’s campaign was abruptly halted last Monday following a reportedly tense meeting with JLP General Secretary Dr Horace Chang at the JLP’s Belmont Road, St Andrew headquarters, where green-clad workers and supporters from St Andrew North Central confronted Chang about Seiveright’s apparent sidelining.

Seiveright broke his silence the next day, stating, “This is not a withdrawal. Far from it. It’s simply a moment to allow the party the space it needs to move forward in unity and strength.”

However, insiders told The Gleaner that supporters were ready to obstruct important roadways, including Red Hills Road, Constant Spring Road, and areas of Manor Park, in support of Seiveright’s candidature. The protest was called off following an emergency intervention by JLP personnel.

With Seiveright and Tavares-Finson out of the race, it is unclear who will run on the JLP ticket in the upcoming election. Samuda’s wife has confirmed whispers that her husband might consider running again.

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