SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland — A heavy police and military presence at the Independence Park nomination centre in Westmoreland Central on Monday ensured a smooth nomination process, with no incidents reported.

At the close of nominations four candidates were confirmed.

Kathleen Greenwood of the Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP) was the first to be nominated, followed by People’s National Party (PNP) standard-bearer Dwayne Vaz, then George Wright of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), followed by independent candidate Don Foote.

While the process was quiet for Greenwood and Foote, large groups of JLP supporters clad in green and PNP supporters decked out in orange converged on the town. Their motorcades created traffic snarls across sections of Savanna-la-Mar.

Once considered a safe seat for the PNP, Westmoreland Central was turned on its head in the last general election when Wright polled more than 8,000 votes to secure victory.

Wright has declared that he is confident of increasing his tally this time around, predicting 11,000 votes, a mark last achieved by the late Roger Clarke when he defeated Marlene Malahoo Forte in 2011.

In the meantime, Vaz attributed his 2020 defeat to low voter turnout but said the PNP base is “fired up” for the September 3, 2025 election.

“Supporters are energised and ready to come out in their numbers,” Vaz told the Jamaica Observer.

Meanwhile, Greenwood pledged to provide an alternative voice for the constituency.

“We are here to bring change. People have been waiting, they have been asking questions. We are here to do whatever we can to fill the gap. I am working by faith, and with or without, we are still going to be here,” said Greenwood.

Jamaica Labour Party candidate for Westmoreland Central George Wright greets supporters after his nomination on Monday. (Photos: Rosalee Wood Condell)

Independent candidate Don Foote, dressed in a Jamaica Labour Party T-shirt, talks with the Jamaica Observer after being nominated to contest the Westmoreland Central seat on Monday.

People’s National Party candidate for Westmoreland Central Dwayne Vaz speaking with the Jamaica Observer after being nominated to contest the September 3 General Election on Monday. Beside him (at left) is his Campaign Manager Victor Wright.