JO - How the West (Portland) was won.

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Observer

How the West (Portland) was won.


Three Portia Simpson Millers could not take me out - Vaz


By Desmond Allen Executive Editor Special Coverage Unit specialcoverageunit@jamaicaobserver.com


Sunday, March 29, 2009

DARYL Vaz didn't think he was being pompous when he declared on nomination day for the West Portland by-election that he would win by over 2,000 votes. And it didn't bother him that not even close Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) colleagues took him seriously. In the end, he won by 2,294.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Vaz discloses that he worked to convert loyal PNP supporters and did. "They chose performance over loyalty." But he admits to some element of luck, at the expense of Abe Dabdoub, his erstwhile opponent in the general election, and the PNP campaign focus.
"The court action over dual citizenship sensitised the people of West Portland and threw the spotlight on the fact that I was working. They were not going to leave me after that. Got a lot of support and commitment from non-JLP supporters," he says. "

JO - Political speculations

Jamaica Observer

Political speculations


MICHAEL BURKE


Thursday, March 05, 2009


MICHAEL BURKE


So the Court of Appeal, which has final authority in election petitions, has ruled that there is to be a by-election in Western Portland. The PNP, led by Portia Simpson Miller, has called on the government "to do the right thing" and call by-elections in all of the constituencies where there are allegations of dual citizenship among sitting members of parliament. In terms of principle, Mrs Simpson Miller is absolutely correct. However, in terms of political manoeuvring it might be a mistake.

Read the whole article here.

JG - 'Walk away' - Golding, Simpson Miller urged to leave garrison constituencies

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Gleaner

'Walk away' - Golding, Simpson Miller urged to leave garrison constituencies

published: Sunday June 22, 2008

Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter

A FORMER member of parliament is calling on Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller to walk away from their garrison constituencies as the first sign of their commitment to dismantle these killing fields.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Garrison communities are characterised by predominant electoral support for a particular political party by means of intimidation."

JG - PNP not softening stance on foreign allegiance

From my archive of press clippings:

Jamaica Gleaner

PNP not softening stance on foreign allegiance

published: Sunday May 18, 2008

Daraine Luton, Sunday Gleaner Reporter

OPPOSITION LEADER Portia Simpson Miller has hinted that no discussions at the Vale Royal bipartisan talks would lead to the People's National Party (PNP) softening its position against members of parliament (MPs) who owe allegiance to foreign states and powers sitting in the legislature.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"The constitution prohibits any person who, by virtue of his/her own act, has pledged or sworn allegiance to a foreign power or state."