Four vying to replace PNP's Harris

A FOUR-WAY showdown now looms in North Trelawny where aspirants are lining up to succeed Dr Patrick Harris as the People's National Party's (PNP) standard-bearer for the constituency.

Harris, a medical doctor, has indicated that he will not be facing the electorate at the next general election. Since making his intentions known, Paul Lyn, who failed in his bid to enter Gordon House by way of North East Manchester in the 2007 general election, and People's National Party Youth Organisation (PNPYO) President Damion Crawford, have made the trek to the north western parish to stake their claim for the position.

Garth Wilkinson, councillor for the PNP-strong Falmouth division, has also thrown his hat in the ring and will be banking on hometown support to take him home.

Former Martha Brae councillor Claudette Jackson, will be the only woman in the field.

Yesterday Peter Bunting, the PNP general secretary, told The Gleaner that the person who takes over from Harris must have "solid integrity" and must have "strong leadership qualities".

Bunting also said he did not anticipate the PNP having difficulty retaining the seat in the next general election.

"I even expect that we will increase the number of divisions we now hold," Bunting said.

Harris, a two-time MP, polled 10,164 votes to Dennis Meadow's 8,642 to retain the seat for the PNP in the 2007 general election.

North Trelawny has voted predominately for the PNP. The last time the party lost the seat in a general election was in 1980 when the JLP's Keith Russell polled 8,986 votes to beat Desmond Leaky (7,864). It was the first time since 1962 that the JLP was winning north Trelawny.