OCHO RIOS, St Ann — Comrades in St Ann South Eastern were out in their glory in Claremont Wednesday evening as Dr Kenneth Russell officially launched his bid to represent the People’s National Party (PNP) in the next general election.

Orange-clad party faithful lined the streets and there was acknowledgement, from the platform, for the show of support.

“PNP gully come down bank to bank. Big up comrades, we look strong for the next election!” said councillor of the Bensonton Division Clovis Cohagen as he looked at the crowd of supporters.

Buoyed by the energy and enthusiasm on display, the man of the moment, Russell, spoke with optimism about his bid to be elected Member of Parliament (MP).

“As a son of this soil, a here so me come from and a here so me a stay. This is where I intend to stay. So tonight we’re not only launching a campaign but a movement to transform South East St Ann,” said Russell.

The constituency has long been a PNP stronghold, but sitting MP Lisa Hanna has had a torrid time with disputes involving senior PNP supporters in the constituency.

In 2015, a number of councillors unsuccessfully failed in an attempt to oust her. She had a convincing win in 2016 but in the 2020 election her margin of victory was very thin, under 50 votes, and she has since said she will not seek re-election.

On Wednesday, PNP councillors enthusiastically endorsed Russell’s bid and councillor for the Claremont Division, Kaydian Harty, sought to portray a united constituency.

“For the last two days, them other ones planned and spread all type of propaganda about South East St Ann and its leadership. But I’m here tonight to shut down and put that lie to shame. The soldiers and warriors of PNP stand firm behind Dr Russell. So don’t believe you can cause a disruption in South East,” said Harty.

During his speech councillor of Beecher Town Division Ian Bell also strongly backed Russell. Bell had been a Hanna supporter for years, but in 2021 he resigned as a member of her constituency’s executive, citing disrespect.

“All four of us from south east are here to make it abundantly clear that the party of our choice is what we put first. The PNP say a Kenneth Russell and a that we say,” Bell said from the platform.

Russell has been touted as an educator with a commitment to community development and during the campaign launch PNP General Secretary Dr Dayton Campbell reiterated his competence.

“He is one of your own that went to school here. He is from Bensonton and one that has represented Jamaica on the international stage. So I’m sure that as your Member of Parliament he will give you good representation in Parliament and bring back the benefits to the people of South East St Ann,” declared Campbell.