Mark Titus, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

After three successive defeats to the ruling People's National Party (PNP) in Eastern Westmoreland, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is now considering the replacement of its caretaker, Don Foote, with a candidate they believe can pose a better challenge to incumbent Luther Buchanan.

"We are convinced that this is the perfect opportunity to wrest the seat from the ruling party ... and presently there are concerns that not enough work is being done in the constituency," said Dennis Meadows, deputy general secretary of the JLP.

"Every seat is reviewed on a monthly basis and each candidate is required to justify their tenure, if they fail to do so they will be removed."

While admitting that Mr. Foote's tenure was under the microscope, Mr. Meadows refused to name a possible replacement.

During an executive meeting with candidates and party workers in Westmoreland last weekend, the council's hierarchy announced that 14 of the 15 candidates for western Jamaica are ready to face the polls. However it was reported that the constituency of Eastern Westmoreland is a cause for concern, with constituents openly stating their lack of confidence in Mr. Foote's ability to win the seat.

Defeated caretaker

Foote, an attorney-at-law, ran and lost against then Prime Minister P.J. Patterson in the 1997 and 2002 general elections. Despiteexpressing confidence going into the recently held by-election, newcomer, Luther Buchanan, soundly defeated the beleaguered caretaker.

During a JLP Area Four council meeting in Montego Bay in January, Opposition Leader Bruce Golding reminded those in attendance that no candidate was indispensable, and non-performers would be replaced.

Area Four comprises the parishes of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, Trelawny and St. James. The list of JLP candidates for the west includes:

Marissa Dalrymple Phillibert - South Trelawny

Dennis Meadows - North Trelawny

Edmund Bartlett - East Central St. James

Clive Mullings - West Central St. James

Dr. Horace Chang - North West St. James

Noel Donaldson - South St. James

Russell Hammond - Central Westmoreland

Earl Melhado - Western Westmoreland

Dr. Christopher Tufton - South West St. Elizabeth

J.C. Hutchinson - North West St. Elizabeth

Franklyn Witter - South East St. Elizabeth

Corey Samuels - North East St. Elizabeth