ST THOMAS, Jamaica — The Jamaica Labour Party incumbent James Robertson broke traditions today when he paid his nomination fee with three $1000 bills bearing the image of the former People’s National Party (PNP) leader and prime minister Michael Manley.

Robertson who said this is the first time he was using that currency said he wanted to show that everyone was onboard with him.

“This means that all P are on board…JLP, PNP and no P,” he said.

Robertson recounted to those in the centre that it was his family who brought PNP to St Thomas.  He said it was his grandfather on his death bed who said that party had gone awry. According to Robertson he was not in the backward behaviour of not using certain denominations.

“I am not in the rubbish or backward behaviour. Its all money and the Jamaican people use all currencies,” he said.

Scores of supporters who accompanied Robertson to the nomination centre danced to music from a marching band as he confidently made his way and duly nominated as the JLP’s candidate for St Thomas Western.

The sea of Labourites took over the road, forcing several motorists to wait patiently until the way was cleared. Soldiers and police, however, kept at bay from the close precincts of the nomination centre.

After selecting 13 persons to accompany him inside, a jovial Robertson appeared extremely relaxed as he joked about the size of the PNP crowd through which the Labourites passed to get to the centre.

“Is eight empty JUTC buses I see pass there,” he joked.

He later told the Jamaica Observer that he was overwhelmed by the size of the crowd which he said is bigger than 2011. This, he said, was showing the will of the people.

As for talks of a peaceful election Robertson said he is always known for campaigning with a smile on his face.

Robertson’s nomination was not completed until 1:08 pm and this resulted in his supporters and those of People’s National Party candidate Marsha Francis meeting up outside the centre. There was a brief tussle as the security forces stood their grounds and prevented any problems.

Ingrid Brown