Tweet
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Prime Mimister Portia Simpson Miller (right) introduces Lisa Hanna to supporters in South-East St Ann during a motorcade through the constituency on Sunday. (Photo: Bryan Cummings)
OCHO RIOS, St Ann - The controversy over the selection of Lisa Hanna to represent the ruling People's National Party (PNP) in South-East St Ann appears to be over. for now.
On Sunday, hundreds of supporters, clad in orange T-shirts bearing the image of Hanna and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, with the words "Vote For Lisa She Will Work For You", flooded the streets of Claremont here in St Ann as comrades awaited the motorcade with the two women.
"Lisa all the way!" a section of the huge gathering shouted upon recognising the Observer reporter.
When asked what was the latest situation regarding Lisa Hanna's candidacy in South-East St Ann, one man said: "Everything settle. Everybody unite behind Lisa!"
Supporters within earshot cheered upon hearing the comment.
Bevon Morrison, one of four persons who previously sought to represent the PNP in that constituency, was among the crowd welcoming the motorcade with Hanna and the prime minister.
Morrison politely declined to comment, but could not prevent a woman in the crowd shouting. "She is supporting Lisa and she tell us to support Lisa!"
"Lisa all the way! Everybody love Lisa!" another woman shouted.
When the vehicle transporting Simpson Miller and Hanna arrived in the town square, it was jubilation all around, as both handed out party promotional items, including T-shirts, sun glasses, wristbands and key rings.
One man caught in the crush of the crowd, bawled "Jesus Christ!" to which a woman replied, "Is not Jesus Christ, is Lisa Hanna".
"When we started on Thursday in Faith's Pen, the support was overwhelming, when we came back on Friday and started again in Faith's Pen the support was bigger.
Yesterday, at the social, the support was better and today it is unbelievable," Hanna told supporters
Simpson Miller drew criticism from constituents when she hand-picked Hanna - the 1993 Miss World - to represent South-East St Ann, overlooking four other aspirants for the seat.
While some constituents protested, others had said it was the autocratic way in which the selection was done that irked them.
However, on Sunday there was no sign of discontent from the throng of party supporters who lined the streets of Claremont to welcome Hanna.
At a rally in Brown's Town later, the prime minister offered "sincere thanks and appreciation to all comrades" who had offered themselves for selection.
Prime Mimister Portia Simpson Miller (right) introduces Lisa Hanna to supporters in South-East St Ann during a motorcade through the constituency on Sunday. (Photo: Bryan Cummings)OCHO RIOS, St Ann - The controversy over the selection of Lisa Hanna to represent the ruling People's National Party (PNP) in South-East St Ann appears to be over. for now.
On Sunday, hundreds of supporters, clad in orange T-shirts bearing the image of Hanna and Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, with the words "Vote For Lisa She Will Work For You", flooded the streets of Claremont here in St Ann as comrades awaited the motorcade with the two women.
"Lisa all the way!" a section of the huge gathering shouted upon recognising the Observer reporter.
When asked what was the latest situation regarding Lisa Hanna's candidacy in South-East St Ann, one man said: "Everything settle. Everybody unite behind Lisa!"
Supporters within earshot cheered upon hearing the comment.
Bevon Morrison, one of four persons who previously sought to represent the PNP in that constituency, was among the crowd welcoming the motorcade with Hanna and the prime minister.
Morrison politely declined to comment, but could not prevent a woman in the crowd shouting. "She is supporting Lisa and she tell us to support Lisa!"
"Lisa all the way! Everybody love Lisa!" another woman shouted.
When the vehicle transporting Simpson Miller and Hanna arrived in the town square, it was jubilation all around, as both handed out party promotional items, including T-shirts, sun glasses, wristbands and key rings.
One man caught in the crush of the crowd, bawled "Jesus Christ!" to which a woman replied, "Is not Jesus Christ, is Lisa Hanna".
"When we started on Thursday in Faith's Pen, the support was overwhelming, when we came back on Friday and started again in Faith's Pen the support was bigger.
Yesterday, at the social, the support was better and today it is unbelievable," Hanna told supporters
Simpson Miller drew criticism from constituents when she hand-picked Hanna - the 1993 Miss World - to represent South-East St Ann, overlooking four other aspirants for the seat.
While some constituents protested, others had said it was the autocratic way in which the selection was done that irked them.
However, on Sunday there was no sign of discontent from the throng of party supporters who lined the streets of Claremont to welcome Hanna.
At a rally in Brown's Town later, the prime minister offered "sincere thanks and appreciation to all comrades" who had offered themselves for selection.
Comment