CAMBRIDGE, St James — The People’s National Party’s (PNP), Derick Kellier has retained his hold on the South St James seat following an intense four days of a magisterial recount here.

Kellier won by 61 votes following the recount.

Kellier obtained 6,278 votes in comparison to 6,217 votes for the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Homer Davis.

The continuation of the magisterial recount on Saturday went on despite an attempt by Davis’ legal team to halt its completion until the Supreme Court gave a ruling on an injunction they had filed.

The matter was heard in Kingston and was dismissed by the judge.

News came late Friday afternoon that presiding Resident Magistrate, Ann Marie Lawrence Granger was served with Supreme Court documents.

Davis’ lawyer, Hugh Wildman had stated that the Supreme Court hearing stems from Thursday’s decision by the resident magistrate to accept ballots which did not have the presiding officer’s initial and the date of the general election from the contentious Polling Division 31.

However, the magisterial recount resumed Saturday shortly after 9:00 am.

Scores of supporters from the PNP and JLP gathered outside the courthouse to await the official announcement by the magistrate.

— Anthony Lewis