Supporters of both the People’s National Party (PNP) and Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) turned out in large numbers at Mona High School on Monday, radiating confidence that their respective St Andrew Eastern candidates will secure victory in the September 3 General Election.

In a seat that is expected to be tightly contested and closely watched by many, both the PNP candidate Patricia Duncan Sutherland and JLP incumbent Fayval Williams were successfully nominated alongside Jamaica Progressive Party (JPP) candidate Carl Cargill.

The PNP opened the day’s nomination proceedings in a buoyant mood from as early as 9:00 am as hundreds of supporters made their way to the nomination centre at Mona High School anticipating a successful nomination process.

Duncan Sutherland, who led her supporters in songs and chants, echoed the PNP’s rallying cry “Time come” for change in both Jamaica and the constituency, urging voters to embrace a new direction.

As she entered the nomination centre, Duncan Sutherland was supported by her sisters Khia Josina Duncan and Donna Duncan-Scott and was successfully nominated at 10:26 am.

However, just minutes after her nomination, celebrations along Mona Road were interrupted by a brief moment of shock and outrage when a motorcyclist was knocked off his bike by a motorist.

Although the circumstances surrounding the incident were unclear, supporters rushed to assist, placing the injured man into the driver’s vehicle, which then transported him to the hospital.

The incident, however, only briefly dampened the mood as about the same time, PNP candidate for St Andrew South Eastern, Julian Robinson arrived at Mona High School on his bicycle after being nominated earlier at Campion College.

Clad in full protective gear — from his orange helmet to his gloves — he seized the moment to address party supporters, urging them to “vote for change” and avoid complacency, while declaring Duncan Sutherland as the next Member of Parliament for St Andrew Eastern.

Later in the afternoon, when PNP supporters returned to August Town to continue their celebrations, the energy shifted as JLP supporters turned out in large numbers to back incumbent Fayval Williams.

Williams, who is seeking a third term, led a spirited march as her supporters’ chants rang out on the way to the nomination centre.

The equally jubilant supporters voiced confidence that Williams would secure a third term, with many not only praising her as an outstanding political representative but also hailing her as “the best finance minister”.

Williams, who paid her nomination fee entirely in $100 bills, was officially nominated at 12:36 pm. She was met with an even louder cheer as she exited the centre, declaring her readiness to continue serving her constituency and expressing confidence in securing a third term.

In the 2020 election, Williams retained the seat with approximately 58.8 per cent of the vote, defeating the then PNP candidate Venesha Phillips who is now a member of the JLP.

Beverley Manley-Duncan (left) and businesswoman Donna Duncan-Scott at Mona High School supporting PNP candidate for St Andrew Eastern Patricia Duncan Sutherland at her nomination on Monday. (Photo: Collin Reid)

Supporters of St Andrew Eastern PNP candidate Patricia Duncan Sutherland on Mona Road, Monday morning. (Photo: Collin Reid)

JLP candidate for St Andrew Eastern Fayval Williams (third right) with supporters on Monday on Mona Road after her nomination to contest the September 3 General Election. (Photo: Collin Reid)

JLP candidate for St Andrew Eastern Fayval Williams (foreground) celebrates with supporters after receiving her receipt confirming that her nomination was successful on Monday. (Photo: Collin Reid)