PNP meets with disgruntled delegates amid rift in St Catherine South Eastern

The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) held a closed-door meeting in Portmore, St Catherine last to address growing tension between supporters of Deputy Mayor Alrick Campbell and Dr Alfred Dawes in the St Catherine South Eastern constituency. 

The meeting was called to reconcile differences after party delegates in Waterford, Bridgeport, and Edgewater voiced strong opposition to Dawes, who was chosen by the party leadership as the standard-bearer for the constituency.

Delegates have expressed concerns over Dawes' effectiveness, citing his inability to present a strong challenge to the incumbent Jamaica Labour Party MP Robert Miller.

"He comes off as if he is entitled and that attitude will not work with us, we want someone who shares our values and Alrick does," remarked a delegate. 

Another added, "Dawes has not done any significant organisational work since he was selected, he doesn't even know the delegates in Waterford."

After hours of deliberation, PNP President Mark Golding expressed optimism about the meeting's outcome.

"More dialogue is necessary but there is unity in the house," Golding said.

"I am very happy for this, dialogue has to be ongoing but we are happy with what we achieved tonight."

Party General Secretary Dr Dayton Campbell sidestepped questions about the internal dispute, instead urging the media to focus on the Prime Minister Andrew Holness' overdue statutory declaration.

Dawes declined to comment after the meeting.

However, Campbell, who retained the Edgewater division in the February local government election and was reappointed deputy mayor, reiterated his ambition.

"I have served the people for 15 years, I know how to win elections, I am confident I can regain the seat for the party," he stated.

The PNP hopes continued dialogue will bridge the divide and bolster their chances in the upcoming general election.

- Ruddy Mathison

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