MONTEGO BAY, St James – Lone contender for People’s National Party (PNP) candidacy of the West Central St James seat, Gordon Baldie, on Saturday received the blessing of local party delegates to contest the seat in the upcoming national polls.

Baldie who was unopposed following the surprise last minute withdrawals of the other three contenders, got 402 ‘yes’ votes, but 113 persons also voted ‘no’.

His was one of several PNP candidate selections in Hanover and St James.

Over in the powerhouse North West St James constituency – which comprises some of Montego Bay’s most volatile communities, including Flankers, Norwood and Glendevon – crime-fighter turned businessman Henry McCurdy came out on top with 232 votes to Dr Juan Reid’s 163.

“The vote today shows that there is democracy in the PNP,” said McCurdy, speaking with the Observer after his victory.

“The people have spoken and they have spoken well.”

Reid conceded to the will of the delegates, saying: “It’s a democratic party, the delegates and workers have made their decision, and I congratulate the comrade.”

He, however, said there was a low turnout, adding that it was a sign that the PNP was in trouble.

“You just have to look at the voter turnout today to see that something is seriously wrong,” Reid contended.

In South St James, sitting MP and labour minister, Derrick Kellier was unchallenged for the seat.

In East Central St James, long-standing parish councillor for the Spring Mount Division, Donald Colomathi received 230 votes to head off challengers Jacqueline McBean-Blake, 201, and Hughlin Boyd, 145.

In Western Hanover, sitting MP Ralston Anson was trounced by former Generation 2000 (JLP) vice chairman, Ian Hayles, who received 276 to his 79.