KARL Samuda on Sunday moved to defuse tensions in the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) over who should succeed him as standard-bearer for the St Andrew North Central constituency, telling loyal supporters to disperse from JLP headquarters ahead of a crucial Central Executive Committee meeting on the controversial matter and declaring that he will support any decision taken by party leader, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness.

“This party is going to be run with discipline, not like in the early 90s when man a lick down man out here and all of that. Those days are over. This is a new leadership style of a man that I am telling you is worthy of respect and good order,” Samuda told his constituents who had gathered at the gate of the JLP headquarters on Belmont Road in St Andrew, shortly after they exited a Toyota Coaster bus that had taken them there.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness (centre) leaves Jamaica Labour Party headquarters on Sunday after a meeting of the party’s Central Executive at which the controversy over who should succeed Karl Samuda in St Andrew North Central was discussed.

“You think he is coming here to batter through crowd like old-time business? That is not the politics of today or tomorrow. If you want to do me a favour, I know exactly what you have done, exactly what you are worth, but I don’t want you here. I don’t want the prime minister to come and see that my constituents are out here. Please, go home,” Samuda appealed.

The supporters complied somewhat by moving some distance away from the entrance of the property.

“Okay, Mr Samuda,” one supporter said, uttering as she walked away, “When him get dark, him get really dark, enuh.”

After the meeting Samuda told the media that he was a little upset because he did not expect to see people gathered at the gate to argue their respective cases.

“I put an end to that and everything is fine. I am satisfied with the meeting because the prime minister capsuled everything in the appropriate way and gave the appropriate advice. I am very satisfied. I am ably assisted by the campaign chairman and we have a great team. We are going to victory. We have no time for negativity,” said the JLP veteran who has won the constituency at every election since 1980.

Delano Seiveright, who went up against Christian Tavares-Finson to succeed Karl Samuda as the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) candidate for St Andrew North Central, gives a thumbs up after Sunday’s meeting of the party’s Central Executive. The party announced that both men have withdrawn their application to contest the seat.

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) General Secretary Dr Horace Chang departs JLP headquarters in his vehicle on Sunday following a meeting of the party’s Central Executive.

“No organisation can run in a state of indiscipline. We are a highly structured organisation that is respected, not only in Jamaica but across the world under the leadership of Andrew Holness and we will not tolerate indiscipline at this stage of our development,” Samuda added.

The Jamaica Observer learned that during the meeting, both Senator Delano Seiveright and Christian Tavares-Finson, who had been vying to succeed Samuda, formally withdrew their applications to be selected as the JLP candidate for the seat.

Later, the JLP issued a statement confirming the withdrawal, saying that it will, “allow the party secretariat to conduct a consultation with key stakeholders, including the executive and workers of St Andrew North Central, in the coming weeks as it restarts the process of finalising a candidate”.

The party said the Central Executive accepted the decision of both men and noted that they are valued members of the JLP.

“Both Senator Seiveright and Mr Tavares-Finson further committed to having their supporters respect the party’s rules and regulations and to act in the interest of party unity,” the JLP said, adding that Samuda remains chairman of the constituency during the process of finalising a candidate.

JLP Chairman Robert Montague explained that the party’s processes continue to protect the interest of the people and the delegates.

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) members of parliament Karl Samuda (left) and Andrew Wheatley having a chat at the JLP’s headquarters on Belmont Road in St Andrew on Sunday, following the party’s Central Executive meeting at which the issue of Samuda’s successor for St Andrew North Central was discussed. (Photos: Naphtali Junior)

“The Jamaica Labour Party is a big tent — there is room for everybody and we listen to everybody. Every constituency in Jamaica is being protected by the Jamaica Labour Party because we have chosen Jamaica and our mission is to bring Jamaica from poverty to prosperity,” Montague told journalists.

Tensions have been rising in the JLP due to claims that favouritism was being shown to one of the prospects for seat, with threats of street protests coming from some constituents of St Andrew North Central.

Last week, Seiveright stunned supporters when he announced he had suspended his campaign to become the JLP candidate in the constituency.

“After careful thought and discussion I’ve made the decision to pause the campaign. This is not a withdrawal, far from it. It’s simply a moment to allow the party the space it needs to move forward in unity and strength,” Seiveright explained in a statement.

“This pause is about staying focused on the bigger picture, ensuring we’re united, disciplined, and ready for the work ahead. I remain fully committed to North Central St Andrew and to all of you. My heart is in this and I’m still here, serving, listening, and working with you every step of the way,” added Seiveright who had launched his campaign on April 18.

While Seiveright seemed to have captured the support of JLP delegates on the ground, Tavares-Finson appeared to have the backing of several of the party’s top leaders.