#JaVotes2016: Seaga ignites Half-Way Tree crowd

Gary Spaulding, Senior Gleaner Writer

For the first time in many years, former Leader of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Edward Seaga has appeared on a political platform.

When the thunderous, protracted cheers dissipated, after his entry was announced, Seaga who retired from representational politics, was slowly led to the podium at the Half-Way Tree meeting.

Without a word, he commanded more cheers as he lifted his pair of hands in the air with the 'V' sign of the party he led between 1974 and 2005.

The crowd waved flags and vuvuzelas screamed and Seaga's protege, Desmond McKenzie shouted: "What a momentous occasion. Let us say mine eyes have seen the glory..."

The 85-year-old was Prime Minister between October 1980 and February 1989 and remains the longest serving Member of Parliament in Jamaica's political history, having served Kingston Western between 1962 and 2005.

The JLP is convening its final mass meeting before Thursday's general election.