MONTEGO BAY, St James — Newcomers Donya Allen-Thompson (Jamaica Labour Party, JLP) and the People’s National Party’s (PNP) Ronaldo Jackson will go head to head, having completed the nomination process on Thursday to represent the influential Montego Bay North Division.

Leeroy Williams (JLP), who ended his stint in representational politics as mayor of Montego Bay, opted not to seek re-election.

Allen-Thompson, a teacher, is looking forward to carrying on the legacy of her fellow Labourite.

“It’s a good feeling knowing I am stepping into a big shoe, [he’s] a former teacher as well. But you know, we have to continue the prosperity and have to continue what we do best for our island Jamaica,” she said.

Williams said he thinks she will do well.

“She is a good candidate, a fellow teacher, and I know she can win the seat,” he said confidently.

There had been speculation about whether Williams would seek re-election especially after he sustained a leg injury when a vehicle in which he was travelling collided with a truck on the Coral Gardens main road last year. Since then, Richard Vernon (who was the deputy mayor) has often been called upon to act in Williams’ stead.

Thursday’s nomination of Allen-Thompson has put to end all speculation. She was accompanied to the nomination centre by fellow candidates Charles Sinclair, Joshua Cummings and Damion Brown.

Damion Brown will replace David Brown in the Montego Bay West Division. The latter, whose tenure was marred with legal woes, did not seek re-election.

Damion Brown believes his colleague has left a solid foundation on which he can build.

“I want to continue the upward movement, building out the infrastructure with the success and do what we have to do,” he said.