#JaVotes2020 | St Thomas seniors out in numbers despite COVID threat

Akino Ming/Staff Reporter

Even as the number of coronavirus cases continue to increase in St Thomas, it did not deter senior citizens, who according to research, are more susceptible to die from the disease, from flocking to polling stations in St Thomas Western.

This as they were determined to exercise a right, which according to them, is still of critical importance even in these times

Martha Stewart, an 83 year-old resident of White Horses, joined the line outside of the Methodist church in her community, early this morning to continue a tradition she started when she was 19 years-old.

"I have been voting for the People's National Party from I was 19 and I will do it as long as I have life. Covid could not stop me from coming out," Stewart told The Gleaner.

As of yesterday, St Thomas recorded 268 cases of COVID-19. Five communities within the parish were placed under quarantine last month in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. All quarantines were lifted before today's elections.

However, the threat of a virus, that has claimed the lives of 27 Jamaicans, was not enough to deter Pauline Grant-Reid, who is praying for a miracle for Marsha Francis, who only lost by 414 votes in 2016, to upset James Robertson who has been the Member of Parliament since 2002.

"I an extremely concerned about the coronavirus, but the MP has done nothing at all for the constituency, especially my community of White Horses. We don't have a community centre or even a playing field," Grant- Reid said.

But another senior citizen, who only identified herself as Sharon, told The Gleaner that it is the best she has seen the country in her 72 years on Earth.

"JLP is the best thing ever happen to Jamaica. One good term deserves another, "she said.

St Thomas Western

2020

JLP James Robertson

PNP Marsha Francis

2016

JLP - James Robertson - 9,568

PNP - Marsha Francis - 9,154