Prime Minister warns supporters to be vigilant
Jamaica Gleaner
Tuesday, October 15, 2002
By Claudia Gardener, Freelance Writer
THE THOUSANDS of People's National Party (PNP) supporters who turned out at a mass rally at the Willy DeLisser Intersection in Lucea on Saturday night, were warned by party President and Prime Minister, P. J. Patterson, to be on the look out for "gunmen and other aggressors" who may try to invade their communities, prior to, and on Election Day.
The sea of red-clad supporters which were earlier gyrating and waving red flags, stood attentively while their leader doled out the instructions. "Watch out for the gunmen! Don't tangle with them!" he shouted. "If you see strange people coming in your community, call the police! Make them check them out!"
"On Wednesday night, while we are celebrating the Labourites will be like chi chi buds. Some a dem a holla, some a bawl," he boasted.
Mr. Patterson said as well, that two secondary schools would be built in each of the parish's two constituencies. He also said that a project would be put in place to supply interior communities with water, by way of the Great River system. Mr. Patterson added that the development of the Lucea Harbour would be a priority as the Hanover segment of the highway was now completed.
The rally, which had a dancehall atmosphere, saw West Hanover candidate, Ralston Anson, and the Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland, Dr. Karl Blythe, alternating their deliveries between promising what they said was a "fine whipping" for the JLP, and "scanking and gyrating".
Even tourists heading to Negril in tour buses joined in the festivities, returning the "fourth term wiper" jumping, holding up fist, shaking hands with the crowd through the bus windows and video taping the event.
Only large units were allowed to pass through the town, under the strict supervision of the Hanover police; smaller units were diverted to Malcolm Heights.
Also in attendance at the rally were candidate for Eastern Hanover Lloyd Hill and Donald Colomathi, candidate for East Central St. James.