JLP first-timers confident

With candidates representing the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in Portland duly nominated, the focus has shifted to the days ahead as campaigning is expected to heighten leading up to the local government elections.

Candidates Paul Thompson of the Manchioneal division, Ervin 'Louie' Brown of the Fellowship division, and Richard Burke of the Prospect division are all seeking to unseat incumbents of the People's National Party (PNP).

Thompson will face off with Elaine Osbourne, Brown goes up against Deputy Mayor Benny White, and Burke will face off with Port Antonio's Mayor Wayne McKenzie.

All three newcomers have expressed confidence in winning and have pledged to undertake the daunting task of repairing and improving the parish's basic infrastructure, while creating employment for young people.

Thompson is expected to figure heavily against Osbourne in a division that has enjoyed JLP dominance but which was broken by Osbourne in the last local government election of 2012.

Brown, a security guard and hometown boy, was a late replacement for Collingsworth Scott. He could pose a serious challenge to White in the Fellowship division.