SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth — Patrick Malcolm held off the challenge of fellow educator Keith Wellington to retain his presidency of the St Elizabeth Football Association at the parish's congress held here Saturday.

Malcolm, principal of the Carisbrook Primary School, received 35 votes against 30 for Wellington, who heads the St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS).

Both men hailed the democratic process. "This was good for St Elizabeth football," Malcolm told the Sunday Observer. "For about 10 or 12 years we haven't had a challenge in the parish. Now that we had a challenge it meant that people had to get out there and do some work."

Malcolm said his executive would be striving to improve sponsorship of St Elizabeth football which he described as woefully under-resourced.

Wellington, though "disappointed", said the "democratic process" had enabled the football clubs in the parish to "endorse the executive of their choice" and "express their wishes".

Director of Elections, former vice-president of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Dale Spencer was delighted with the conduct of delegates and candidates during the poll.

"As a native of St Elizabeth I feel extremely proud," said Spencer.

Others elected alongside Malcolm were Fitzroy Chedda, first vice-president; Richard Walters, second vice-president; Kwesi Falconer, third vice-president; Lennie Campbell, treasurer; Paul Vassell, general secretary; and Charmaine Ford, asstistant general secretary.