My win is for the PNP, Jamaica, says Jackson
Published:Sunday | September 24, 2017 | 12:00 AMErica Virtue
Fitz Jackson celebrated his massive win for the position as People's National Party (PNP) chairman over long-time deputy chairman Anthony Hylton, saying that it was the loss of the latter but a win for the party and Jamaica, following yesterday's voting at St Mary High School, St Mary.
Jackson, the member of parliament (MP) for St Catherine South, defeated Hylton 187-79 votes, with one spoilt ballot. Results were announced by the general secretary, Julian Robinson, at 1:09 p.m., at the meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC).
Jackson, who will have Horace Dalley as his deputy, said that the final votes were four less than his expectation.
"I am the chairman for all members of this NEC and all members of the People's National Party, and today was the reaffirmation of the inclusiveness of our movement going forward. My win is for Jamaica and the PNP," Jackson said moments after his victory.
Jackson thanked the retired Robert Pickersgill, who served as chairman for 25 years, and said that he would still be relying on Pickersgill's experience and wisdom.
Bitter loss for Hylton
Hylton's supporters were disappointed and vented, following the results.
"Dem trick wi," said one angry voter.
Carton boxes of wine, apparently meant for celebrating, disappeared after the polls.
While acknowledging that the decision-making process in the party has not worked as well as it could in the past, Hylton committed to making a difference going forward. He could not say what went wrong.
"I am not sure. I haven't had a chance to sit with the team to analyse, so we will have to do so and see what has gone wrong. Obviously, there is disappointment, but let me say the delegates are wise, and when you subject yourself to this process, you put your hands in the hands of the delegates."