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PNP gives greenlight to Hayles in Western Westmoreland

Published:Monday | June 5, 2023 | 12:45 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
Hayles
Hayles

WESTERN BUREAU:

Ninety-nine per cent of the delegates who voted for a representative of the People’s National Party (PNP) in Western Westmoreland yesterday selected former member of parliament, businessman Ian Hayles to represent them in the next election.

More than 700 delegates voted.

Hayles’s opponent, educator Garfield James, did not turn up for the crucial, decision-making election at the Little London Primary School in Westmoreland.

Hayles’ selection comes weeks after a massive protest against him by PNP supporters in the Little London Square.

On Sunday, the aspirant unveiled a series of what he described as big plans for the constituency, including water, road, agriculture, and farm work programmes. The exportation of cannabis was also among his top priorities.

“The small farmers in Westmoreland must get licensed to export,” he insisted, noting that the United States and other major players were enhancing their cannabis production and that Jamaica should not be left behind.

“The Roaring River and Carbaretta River will be the main supply for Westmoreland’s water problems,” he stated, adding that a number of educational training centres would be established under his leadership.

Hayles who called for unity in the party, noted that the farm work programme has the possibility of reducing poverty in the parish, which is besieged by crime.

“I want Westmoreland to be the leading parish across Jamaica.”