PORTLAND, Jamaica — Neither the gloomy skies in Portland Eastern nor the inability to move around swiftly was a deterrent to Ebson Currie this morning.

The 78-year-old was assisted by his wife, Rose Hamilton in casting his vote at the Seaside Early Childhood polling station in Hector’s River, Portland.

“Even at my age I still want to see changes in the place,” he told the OBSERVER ONLINE, adding that his vote was with Jamaica Labour Party’s Ann-Marie Vaz.

“We long for roads and water. Even a house because my house is in a bad state and nobody not helping us over the past 30 years,” he continued.

Meanwhile, Manchioneal’s polling station was filled with excitement from friendly rivalry between supporters from both the JLP and PNP.

“A we a lead unu! Unu ago lose,” one JLP supporter said, mocking an individual clad in an orange t-shirt.

Up to Tuesday, a poll commissioned by the Jamaica Observer and Nationwide showed Vaz holding a 10 per cent lead ahead of PNP’s candidate, Crawford.

A victory for Vaz would represent a major upset for the PNP, which has held the constituency for the past 30 years.

Vaz would also create history as the first female Member of Parliament to serve that constituency. She would join her husband, Daryl, who represents the neighbouring West Portland constituency, in Gordon House.

On the other hand, a win for PNP would see Crawford returning to the Lower House, having previously represented East Rural St Andrew while serving as state minister in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment.

Karena Bennett