'Nothing could stop me' - At 80, cane-using voter takes three taxis, skips breakfast to vote in St James Southern

Physical challenges and the expense of taking three public transport vehicles were not enough to keep 80-year-old Deloris McIntosh from casting her ballot at the Garlands Primary School in the St James Southern constituency today.

McIntosh, who previously lived in Garlands but now resides in Green Pond, Montego Bay, was one of several physically restricted voters, including persons using canes, wheelchairs, and walkers, who came out to cast their votes in today's election day activities.

"It took three vehicles, one from Green Pond to come downtown Montego Bay, one from downtown to the taxi stand for me to take a vehicle come up here, and it is my own money mi pay, and mi is an old somebody, 80 plus. I give God the glory for this chance," said McIntosh, who walks with a cane and is also diabetic.

"I am a longtime voter, but I don't live up here. The voting process didn't take so long, because the people know me, and they gave me something to sit on. It is just for me to get a vehicle to go home now," McIntosh added.

The senior citizen shared that although her registered voting area is in Garlands, her relatives relocated her to Montego Bay following the death of her husband sometime prior.

Despite that, McIntosh was willing to make the sacrifice to exercise her franchise, even if it meant going without food prior to making her journey.

"I never had time to eat this morning. I just put some bush in a cup of hot water and drink, because I am diabetic and so I don't fool around with sugar too much. But my son was down on me to come vote, so I have come to vote," McIntosh said with pride.

- Christopher Thomas

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