Two nominated for vacant Portmore council seat

With the balance of power in the St Catherine Municipal Corporation evenly split, both the People's National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) nominated candidates to contest the March 27 by-election in the Portmore Pines division.

First-time candidate Gary Nicholson, an accountant, will be representing the PNP, while Ann Lewis, a teacher, who was the losing standard bearer for JLP in the last local government election will contest the seat once again.

The seat became vacant due to the death of councillor Michael Edwards who won the division three times.

Nicholson was upbeat about his chances.

"I want to stay on the ground meet with the people and share the vision we have for the division," he declared.

Lewis was also excited about winning the seat for the JLP, to break the deadlock in the municipal corporation and turn it green.

"Good! Great! Ready! Energised! Our theme is 'We care so I am here to care for the people'," she said, admitting that a lot of work is needed.

Director of elections Orrette Fisher, who was on hand, said the nomination went smoothly and all systems are in place for the by-election.