Holness steps in to quell quarrel over North East St Catherine seat

The aide to the Opposition Leader Sharon Hay-Webster has formally applied to the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) to represent the constituency of North East St Catherine in the next general elections.

Hay-Webster declared her interest in the seat yesterday at the same time party leader Andrew Holness moved to soothe tempers in a verbal scuffle between MP for North East St Catherine Gregory Mair and Hay-Webster, over who will be the party's standard bearer in the next general election.

In a terse news release, the JLP said Holness has called in Mair and Hay-Webster to discuss concerns over the North East St Catherine seat.

According to Holness, the party maintains a strong competitive democratic institution which gives equal opportunity and treatment to all its members. "Party members are obliged to abide by the party's established rules and use its internal mechanisms to resolve conflicts," he added.

Mair had reportedly scolded Hay-Webster for conducting campaigns in his constituency purportedly in an attempt to unseat him.

However, Hay-Webster said workers and delegates have approached her to represent them in the constituency. She has since submitted her application to the party.

"I have followed the process and rules set down, and in spite of the invitations of members of the constituency, I have not campaigned in the area or done anything other than visit my family and friends and attend events," she said.

Hay-Webster said she was awaiting the party's directive on her application.