Born Losers

In the context of politics the world over, there have been winners and losers. But there are some persons who have failed to sparkle on the local landscape, ending most, if not all, their electoral campaigns as losers. Following yesterday's election, the following persons now confirm themselves distinguished commanders of the 'Order of Born Electoral Losers' having lost four or more consecutive elections.

Astor Black, roving candidate: Nine losses

Astor Black has contested nine national elections since 2001 and has failed to win on all occasions. In fact, this popular loser has totalled only 330 votes in the nine constituencies he has run in seven parishes. His best showing was in the 2007 general election, where he got 65 votes in Trelawny Northern, but finished 10,099 votes behind winner Dr Patrick Harris of the People's National Party.

Joseph Witter, Kingston Western: Five losses

Ever since his first outing in 2002, Joseph 'Bunny' Witter's place on the podium has been predetermined.

Running in the Jamaica Labour Party stronghold of Kingston Western, only the mentally deluded would bet on Witter making it to the winner's enclosure. He has faced the starters five times, and on all occasions he merely finished the race, failing to of make any meaningful impact on the seat.

Dennis Messias, St Andrew Southern: Five losses

St Andrew Southern is considered a People's National Party garrison, and the Jamaica Labour Party merely puts a candidate there to ensure it has a presence. That sacrificial lamb, since 1997, has been Dennis Messias. He has lost all five elections he has contested against Dr Omar Davies in the concrete jungle.

Patrick Roberts, St Andrew West Central: Four losses

The People's National Party (PNP) assembled a high-profile team around Patrick Roberts and set him loose on Andrew Holness, the leader of the Jamaica Labour Party, in St Andrew West Central.

Joan Gordon-Webley, who turned her back on the JLP and joined the PNP, took on the role of campaign director, and Allan Rickards worked as campaign manager. The Comrades were pumped going into yesterday's election, many declaring that the seat they last won in 1993 was returning home. But when the ballots were counted, Roberts, the councillor for the Molynes division in the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation, was again soundly beaten.

Phyllis Mitchell, St Catherine North Eastern: Four losses

The People's National Party's Phyllis Mitchell qualifies as a born loser, having lost every election she has contested since 1997. Mitchell won the St Catherine North Eastern seat in 1993. She lost the 1997 polls in the court (to Abe Dabdoub), and has been unsuccessful in all subsequent contests.