'New PM by 1 PM!' Raymond Pryce issues rallying cry to Comrades

Raymond Pryce has given a rallying mantra to People’s National Party (PNP) supporters — “New PM by 1 PM!” — a sharp jab at Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ ‘1PM’ branding as well as a call to action to get out, vote, and ensure a change of government.

The PNP standard-bearer for St Catherine East Central rolled it out before a roaring crowd in Portmore on Saturday, declaring that Opposition Leader Mark Golding is just days away from replacing Andrew Holness as prime minister.

Following a whirlwind tour of the three constituencies in Portmore, Pryce urged supporters to lock in the win with a simple formula for success: “You and 10 must vote by 10. So by 10 a.m., if you count yourself and you lick yourself and you say one, you must find 10 other people. So 11 of you vote by 10. … And then at 11 a.m., 10 more again,” he urged.

With analysts suggesting that Wednesday’s election will be close, the PNP is banking on the three Portmore seats to help it cross the line and secure victory. St Catherine South East, a seat the PNP held since 1989, fell to the JLP’s Robert Miller in 2020. St Catherine East Central, which was one of three new constituencies created in 2011, voted for the JLP’s Alando Terrelonge in 2016 and 2020.

Fitz Jackson, who has been unbeaten since winning St Catherine South in 1994, said he has been lonely in the Portmore since 2020, and appealed to voters to elect Dr Alfred Dawes in St Catherine South East and Pryce in St Catherine East Central.

“It has been lonely being the only PNP over here. I going beg of you, please end my loneliness and give me these two other Comrades,” Jackson said at Saturday’s rally.

“If you really want to make me a happy man, I want you to deliver Comrade Pryce and Comrade Dawes,” he added.

For his part, Dawes expressed confidence that victory is nigh, but urged party workers to remain focused on the job at hand.

“It is our duty to be on the right side of history and make sure every single Comrade, every single undecided voter come out and vote. We have to do it, we must do it!,” he charged.

The PNP’s candidate, who is the spokesman on health, described Wednesday’s poll as being one of the most consequential in the country’s history. He said all party workers must play their part to ensure victory.

“We have to tighten up everything. Runners make sure... dig out everybody. Rain or shine, everybody has to come out. The indoor agents and the outdoor agents, make sure watch. I know them going to come with their money because money a drop left, right and centre, but we are in the election of a lifetime,” Dawes said.

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