Three-way battle - NW St Ann JLP councillors back Ruel Reid's candidacy, Lawrence not budging
Published:Thursday | March 29, 2018 | 12:00 AM
Ruel Reid, education minister and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) aspiring candidate for North West St Ann, received the strong backing of all four councillors in the constituency last week at a meeting held at the Brown's Town Community College.
The JLP swept the local government election in 2016, winning all four divisions, including the Brown's Town Division traditionally held by the People's National Party (PNP).
Among those backing Reid is the councillor for the Bamboo Division and Deputy Mayor of St Ann's Bay Sydney Stewart.
At the meeting, Stewart made it clear that the executive and delegates of the Bamboo Division were all in support of Reid, who currently sits as a senator in the Upper House of Parliament.
GIVING WAY FOR REID
Kim Brown Lawrence, the councillor for the Brown's Town Division, who also spoke at the meeting, admitted that she had interest in the seat but was happy to give way for Reid to take control of the constituency.
"Labourites, I did apply. Yes, I did. But when I heard that Mr Ruel Reid, minister of education, is coming, I just take off back my shirt and take off back my shoes and said, 'I am working with Ruel - straight'," Brown Lawrence said.
"The Brown's Town Division backs Mr Reid, the Sturge Town Division backs Mr Reid, the Bamboo Division backs Mr Reid, and the Dry Habour Division backs Mr Reid. So tell the two Macaroni fi go si dung," the councillor told cheering Labourites at the community college.
Othneil Lawrence, the current caretaker and twice-defeated candidate, recently announced on social media site Facebook that he had no intention of resigning from his current position in the leadership of the constituency. He said that he would not back down from an internal run-off for the right to represent the JLP in the next general election, which is constitutionally due in 2021.
Meanwhile, Gleaner sources say Earnest Smith, former member of parliament for South West St Ann, Lawrence, and Reid are to square off to become caretaker. But, according to several high-ranking members, the leadership of the parish, area council, and the party are all backing Reid.
Currently, the seat is held by Dr Dayton Campbell of the PNP, who defeated Lawrence in the 2016 general election.