CLARENDON, Jamaica — Scores of jubilant People’s National Party (PNP) supporters gathered at the Grace Baptist Church on Sewell Crescent in May Pen to nominate Carla Watt as the party’s candidate for Clarendon Central in the September 3 general election.

“We are supporting her because she means the people of Pleasant Valley good. The current person who is serving, Mike Henry, him don’t do anything, only promises, and the promises cannot fulfil until now so we need a change now. The time has come now,” said Ina Brown, a resident from Pleasant Valley.

Watt emerged from the nomination centre minutes after 12pm after being officially nominated as the party’s candidate for the constituency, a stronghold of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) which has been represented by the now-retired Mike Henry in parliament since 1980. Ten representatives for the PNP signed documents on Monday, nominating Watt. A total sum of $15,000 was also paid.

A representative from Citizens Action for Free & Fair Elections (CAFFE) was present to observe the nomination process.

“The plans I have for Central Clarendon, the first thing is May Pen bridge — we need a proper bridge to enter into the town — and we need water. Especially in Pleasant Valley, Rose Hall, Pennant Wood and Race Track, Sevens Heights, Bucks Haven etc. The entire May Pen need water improvement,” Watt said.

Additionally, Watt noted that there are plans for education and housing improvement in the constituency.

Watt said she is confident that she will defeat the Jamaica Labour Party’s Delroy Williams.

“Mr Williams I am here and I am here to stay and I know that I will give you a b***de,” she added.

Among Watt’s supporters was Senator Donna Scott Mottley, who shared: “This constituency was held by Mike Henry for decades. He is no longer here, I said from a long time ago that this constituency is not a JLP constituency but Mike Henry constituency. I ran against him in the 1989 election and I am completely devoted to Central Clarendon. Carla has been a councillor for many terms and she has served the people and she has proven herself and I want the people to give her a chance for better representation in Central Clarendon.”

After Watt and her supporters exited the nomination centre, Bettina Hill of the Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP) entered, but she was only accompanied by four persons.

The Jamaica Labour Party’s Delroy Williams is scheduled to be nominated at 1:00 pm.

Members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) are on location to maintain order and security during the nomination process.

“We are here to ensure that security is maintained — that both persons from the electorate, and those who will be coming to be nominated today, can do so in a safe environment,” said Deputy Superintendent Adrian Flemming.