Bunting calls for a peaceful campaign
Published:Tuesday | August 30, 2016 | 1:12 PM
PORT ANTONIO, Portland:
As the race to fill the positions of four vice-presidents in the People's National Party (PNP) intensifies, Peter Bunting, Central Manchester member of parliament, has called for a show of unity among the five candidates who will be seeking to secure the four vice-president slots on September 17.
Four of the five candidates vying to fill the slots were present at a constituency conference in East Portland Sunday night.
The four - Dr Fenton Ferguson, Noel Arscott, Lisa Hanna, and Angela Brown Burke - stated their intention to delegates and party workers, who gathered at Port Antonio High School, during the conference put on by sitting Member of Parliament Dr Lynvale Bloomfield.
The fifth candidate who will be vying for one of the four spots, Dr Wykeham McNeill, was not present at the meeting.
"It is my wish that the five candidates conduct themselves in a professional and respectable manner," said Bunting, who was guest speaker at the event.
"This internal election will determine whether Ferguson, Arscott, Brown Burke, Hanna, and McNeill will be selected to fill the four slots available. One must remember and bear in mind that we are a united party and, therefore, I want to see the friendly rivalry on display," he added.
But while Bunting was urging the vice-president aspirants to display good relations, he also reminded East Portland delegates of his ambition to challenge for the top post of leader of the PNP.
Noting that last year, persons wanted Elaine Thompson to run the 100 metres race, but was discouraged by coach Stephen Francis as he believed that she was not yet ready. Bunting said after waiting for the right time, Thompson is now double Olympic champion in the 100 and 200 metres.
"Everybody knows about my aspiration and intention. However, I will not be mounting any challenge this year. I will, however, when the time is right. Let it be known to you, the delegates, as I will be calling on you for your full support," he told the gathering.