Fri | May 22, 2026

PNP to step-up election efforts in St Catherine South Eastern amid reopening of fire-damaged office

Published:Sunday | June 1, 2025 | 8:21 PM
People's National Party President, Mark Golding (right), and the party's candidate for St Catherine South Eastern, Dr Alfred Dawes, cutting the ribbon to the party's new constituency office in Independence City at a ceremony on May 30. 
Ruddy Mathison
People's National Party President, Mark Golding (right), and the party's candidate for St Catherine South Eastern, Dr Alfred Dawes, cutting the ribbon to the party's new constituency office in Independence City at a ceremony on May 30. 

With the opening of a new constituency office in St Catherine South Eastern, the People's National Party (PNP) has vowed to intensify its drive to connect with constituents as it seeks to reclaim the seat from the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).

The constituency is represented by JLP Member of Parliament Robert Miller.

The ribbon-cutting for the new constituency office in Independence City, which was destroyed by fire in June 2023, was held on Friday night.

At the time of the incident, a police investigation pointed to arson, but no one has been arrested in connection with the blaze.

The fire occurred shortly after Dr. Alfred Dawes was selected as the PNP’s standard-bearer for the constituency.

Dawes was flanked by PNP President Mark Golding at the ribbon-cutting.

The new office is on the same grounds of the old one.

Addressing supporters, Dawes said the facility is a symbol of resilience and determination in the PNP’s drive to reconnect with the people of St Catherine South Eastern.

The new office will serve as the hub for all constituency-related activities.

Dawes called for unity among party supporters as the PNP intensifies efforts to reclaim the seat.

- Ruddy Mathison

Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.