Morgan, Charles Jr headed to Clarendon seats
Published:Friday | October 11, 2019 | 12:00 AMRomario Scott/Gleaner Writer
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has settled two Clarendon constituencies as the general election constitutionally due by 2021 draws nearer.
The Gleaner understands that Pearnel Charles Jr will be the party’s standard-bearer in South East Clarendon, which is currently represented by long-time labour leader and current state minister in the Ministry of National Security, Rudyard Spencer.
Charles Jr is currently a government minister in the Andrew Holness-led administration.
JLP sources told The Gleaner yesterday that Spencer is expected to quit representational politics at the end of this term.
When The Gleaner tried to reach him yesterday for confirmation, his phone rang without answer.
High-level JLP sources also said that the party has decided to send Robert Nesta Morgan to North Central Clarendon to replace Pearnel Charles, the current Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Morgan currently serves as a parliamentary secretary and a senator.
The sources say the decision was made following wide consultations within the party and also within the constituencies.
Last year, there had been tension between the elder Charles and Morgan after the latter was accused of interfering in the constituency.
Morgan denied that he was disrupting the constituency but made it known that he had applied to the party to be its representative in the seat.
“It has been a life-long dream to represent my community. Nothing will deter me from that dream,” said Morgan, who was born in the community of Wood Hall in the constituency.
JLP General Secretary Dr Horace Chang yesterday told The Gleaner that the party would make an announcement on the matter.