WATCH: Holness endorses JLP’s Bellefield candidate during Manchester Central tour
MANCHESTER, Jamaica – Prime minister and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader Andrew Holness says the country’s political landscape and democracy have evolved.
He made the remark at a spot meeting in the Bellefield Division in Manchester Central on Tuesday.
Bellefield, considered a stronghold of the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP), is being closely watched as the political campaigning intensifies for the February 26 local government elections.
Holness, in endorsing Shaneil Dixon, the JLP’s candidate for Bellefield, pointed to the political history of the area.
“… Reflecting on times past that we couldn’t have a meeting as simple as this in Bellefield square. How our country matured and every Jamaican standing in this square today must be proud of that, whether you are JLP or PNP you must be proud of the maturity of our politics, that is invaluable. There are many countries around the world where you can’t,” he said.
“It shows you that as a people we have the ability to change the things that we don’t like about our situation. So what you are seeing here today is a real expression of our political maturity and our democratic process,” added Holness.
Labourites showing support for JLP candidate for the Bellefield Division, Shaneil Dixon, on Tuesday.
While the prime minister and Manchester Central Member of Parliament Rhoda Crawford toured the area with JLP supporters, a handful of PNP supporters gathered at Bellefield square, resulting in a festive political atmosphere with supporters of the two political parties teasing each other.
Incumbent Mario Mitchell (PNP, Bellefield division) is being challenged by Dixon. Mitchell, in the November 2016 election, polled 1,566 over the JLP’s then candidate Ian Hibbert’s 673.
Dixon, 23, who is among the youngest candidates, reiterated her confidence ahead of the polls.
“What did they say about Bellefield Division? We change that… We hear the other side saying ‘they look to the hills’, but you know what, I am from the hills,” Dixon said.
Holness also toured sections of the Royal Flat Division, Mandeville Division and Knockpatrick Division in support of JLP candidate Richard Delapenha, Chairmain Stephenson and Adeka Miller.
– Kasey Williams
