Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer

Supporters of the People's National Party at the regional electoral office in St. Ann's yesterday. - Photo by Roger Robinson/Freelance Photographer

Ocho Rios, St. Ann:

Activities in St. Ann on nomination day took place without any incidents.

While the crowds for both parties were not as large as those seen in August during the nominations for the general election, the people were no less spirited and noisily accompanied their candidates to their respective nomination centres.

A total of 32 candidates were nominated, 16 each from Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP). Among them were at least 14 newcomers to representational politics.

Interestingly, two of the divisions, Ocho Rios and Claremont, will be contested by four new candidates.

Stepping aside

In Ocho Rios, the incumbent, Carol Jackson of the PNP, steps aside to make way for businessman, Roderick 'Jolly' Campbell, and he will be challenged by community activist, Neville 'Shero' Williams.

In Claremont another PNP incumbent, Grover Garden, was replaced by Lambert Weir and he will be going up against the JLP's Jasper Rose.

There were colourful scenes in St. Ann's Bay where the nominations were held for the five divisions in North East St. Ann.

MP Shahine Robinson led her team of five candidates along with a crowd of green-and-gold-clad JLP supporters to the office of the returning officer on Main Street which was used as the nomination centre.

Not to be outdone the PNP amassed a colourful crowd of supporters dressed in their orange, gold and white colours to accompany their candidates to the nomination centre.

Following the completion of the exercise, caretaker, Oswest Senior-Smith, led the PNP crowd on a march to the constituency office on Windsor Road.