Noel Thompson, Freelance Writer
Novelette Haughton (centre), and another Jamaica Labour Party supporter (right), are caught in a heated argument with Vince Young (left), former JLP caretaker of the Leamington Division at the New Roads All-Age School in Westmoreland, yesterday. Ms. Haughton was not allowed to vote in yesterday's Eastern Westmoreland run-off between incumbent caretaker Don Foote and Pete Manborde. - PHOTO BY NOEL THOMPSON
WESTERN BUREAU:
WHAT WAS expected to be a smooth run-off between incumbent
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) caretaker for Eastern Westmoreland Don Foote and
contender Pete Manborde, ended in a brawl when supporters of both men clashed
in Bethel Town yesterday.
Mr. Foote emerged the winner with 74 votes to Mr. Manborde's 60 votes from a total of 134 votes cast in four polling divisions in Darliston, Leamington, Bethel Town and Whitehouse.
The first seeds of discord were sown when a prospective voter, Novelette Haughton, turned up at the Leamington Division to cast her ballot. She was, however, told by the indoor agents that she was not on the voters' list and so was prevented from voting. A fracas ensued and an agent was accused of sabotaging Mr. Foote's prospects of victory.
FURTHER DISREPUTE
Onlookers intervened to quell the dispute and appealed to the persons involved "not to bring the party into further disrepute."
A few minutes later, Mr. Foote drove onto the compound, gospel music blaring from loud speakers in his sport utility vehicle. He then asked that Ms. Haughton be allowed to vote but the request was denied by the election administrators who said this would violate the party's constitution.
The Gleaner news team then
visited Bethel Town where the final counting was taking place. At this point, Mr. Manborde's supporters could be seen venting their anger over Mr. Foote having again received the party's green light.
WARNING
Anger mounted among Mr. Manborde's supporters who then turned on members of the press, demanding that recording equipment be turned off and put away.
Evadney Bryan-Smalling, Mr. Foote's campaign manager, telephoned him, warning that if he should attempt to address the gathering, he should be accompanied by the police, none of whom could be clearly
identified at the location at the time.
Joslyn Powell, a supporter of Mr. Foote, was in discussion with the disgruntled supporters when one man walked up to him and punched him in the face. Draped in a green gown, he landed spreadeagled in the middle of the road. Several onlookers rushed to his aid and he was quickly taken away for treatment.
Andre Franklin, JLP's deputy general secretary, told The Gleaner that he had never witnessed such an event but insisted that the party would move forward.
"Overall, we had a good day. Mr. Foote has retained the chairmanship. The party will now move to consolidate all groups within the constituency to ensure that they work together for the victory of the party in Eastern Westmoreland," he said.
