DUNCANS, Trelawny–driver – 

ERRICK Gallimore, the People’s National Party (PNP’s) representative for the Duncans division in the upcoming by-election, has denied reports that he is withdrawing from the race to succeed former councillor for the area Errol ‘Juppie’ White who died last November.

“That’s not true. I will be contesting because too many persons would be disappointed if I decide not to contest,” Gallimore told the Observer West on Tuesday.

It has been rumoured in the Duncans division and other sections of Trelawny over the past week that Gallimore, who lost the division in the 2007 local government elections to White by a margin of 29 votes, has opted out of the race due to the illness of his wife.

On Tuesday, Gallimore charged that that those who are spreading the rumour would be happy if he decides not to offer himself.

“They would be happy if I drop out because they know that I am the people’s choice this time around,” he argued.

According to Gallimore, in recent weeks he has been receiving overwhelming support from persons deemed to be staunch supporters of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

“I getting good support from them. Many have come to me saying that although they are labourites, they will be supporting me in the by-election,” he said.

A date has not been set for the poll but the Observer West understands that it will be held sometime next month.

The JLP has already selected White’s son, Donovan, to contest the seat on the party’s ticket.

A victory for Gallimore would see the opposition PNP occupying three of the nine parish council divisions in Trelawny.

The JLP, which has political control of the council, won seven divisions — all four in the constituency of South Trelawny and three of five in Northern Trelawny — in the 2007 local government polls.