Seniors hope for relief in St Catherine East Central

Supporters of the two major political parties in St Catherine East Central are in a festive mood at the Gregory Park Primary School, where scores of voters have shown up to cast their ballots.

The sounds of vuvuzelas echo in the vicinity of the polling stations as supporters of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People's National Party (PNP) try to make their presence felt in the area.

Eighty-five-year-old Winston Foster braved the sweltering heat of the mid-morning sun to register his vote.

Foster, a seasoned voter, said he is casting his ballot this time with the hope that things would be a little better for him.

He said the price of basic food items has increased to the point where he is now struggling to fend for himself.

Another senior citizen, 80-year-old Carlton Williams, while leaning on his walking stick, told The Gleaner he had to show up today because he was fed up with the lack of water in his community.

Williams, who said he lives in Gregory Park in Portmore, St Catherine, complains that sometimes he is without water for days.

He told The Gleaner that he is hoping that his vote will help to bring about change.

Gregory Park traditionally receives greater voter support for the JLP.

The seat was held by the JLP's Alando Terrelonge in the last parliamentary term.

He is seeking a third term in Gordon House and is being challenged for the second time by the PNP's Raymond Pryce.

In 2020, Terrelonge received 6,372 votes while Pryce received 4,370.

In 2016, Terrelonge faced the PNP's Arnaldo Brown.

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