THE Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is still banking on its candidate, Damion Crawford, to win tomorrow’s parliamentary by-election in Portland Eastern, despite three recent opinion polls showing the Jamaica Labour Party’s (JLP) Ann-Marie Vaz ahead.

Yesterday PNP general secretary Julian Robinson, in a news release, said the party’s own internal canvass is consistent with the findings of a poll conducted by Caribbean Development Research Services (CDRS) Inc in early March. According to Robinson, the CDRS, based in Barbados, correctly predicted that country’s recent General Election results to the specific seat count.

“The turnout of East Portlanders to all our events has been phenomenal and the energy and enthusiasm of our workers and supporters demonstrate that every polling division is ready. So we are looking forward to this victory,” Robinson said.

The Jamaica Observer/Nationwide 90FM/Bill Johnson Poll released Monday afternoon not only showed Vaz with a 10-percentage point lead over Crawford, but also found that Crawford’s unfavourable rating jumping from 13 per cent to 44 per cent in less than a month.

Robinson, however, contended that “Damion’s message of economic independence and empowerment is resonating with the people of East Portland, and this will translate into more jobs, better roads and improved water supply throughout the constituency”.

He added: “The PNP will continue the work in East Portland, as much was achieved over the past 30 years, and Dr Lynvale Bloomfield, who was brutally murdered, was a strong advocate for the people. With his victory, Damion Crawford will continue to be the strong representative of all the people of East Portland going forward.”

Robinson said the party remains confident that the people of East Portland will continue to give it their support, based on the plans and programmes outlined by Crawford.