Delano Seiveright to represent JLP in St Andrew North Central

Senator Delano Seiveright has been confirmed as the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) representative for the St Andrew North Central constituency in the upcoming general election.

“I’m honoured by the strong support from residents across North Central St Andrew and beyond. We fully trust the Jamaica Labour Party’s fair and transparent processes. We remain focused on the work listening, serving, and building with purpose,” he told The Gleaner.

The announcement comes after weeks of internal turmoil within the JLP over who would succeed veteran Member of Parliament Karl Samuda in the party’s stronghold constituency.

Seiveright emerged early as the frontrunner, publicly expressing his interest in the seat. But attorney Christian Tavares-Finson, the son of Senate President and longtime JLP stalwart Tom Tavares-Finson, also entered the race, setting the stage for a contentious internal battle.

Seiveright, however, led a high-visibility ground campaign, gaining endorsements from both divisional councillors and receiving a favourable response from the constituency executive.

Tensions escalated when supporters and workers confronted JLP General Secretary Dr Horace Chang over the delay in selecting a candidate for the constituency, warning him against the party using favouritism to decide Samuda's successor.

Both Seiveright and Tavares-Finson eventually withdrew their candidacies, in May. A day later, supporters of Seiveright took to the streets, insisting that the junior minister in the tourism ministry was the best candidate, and Tavares-Finson was an outsider.

Seiveright is expected to face the People's National Party’s Christopher Henry in the general election due September.

- Sashana Small

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