Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer 
Charles and Golding
PORTLAND: AS THE race for leadership of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) intensifies, most delegates and councillors in Portland appear to have thrown their support behind party chairman Bruce Golding.
Indications are that four of the five JLP councillors in the parish have indicated their fullest support for Mr. Golding.
"Mr. Golding is the perfect leader for the JLP at this time," said mayor of Port Antonio, Alston Hunter. "Not only does Bruce have the experience to win the next general election for the JLP, but he also has the expertise and is a renowned and efficient worker who gets the result," he added.
Other councillors including Derron Wood, Fairy Hill division; Rupert Kelly, Hope Bay, and Gloria Silvera, Buff Bay all endorsed the statement made by the mayor.
Mr. Wood, however, added that the selection of Mr. Golding as leader of the JLP, would enhance the party's chances and will undoubtedly guarantee them victory in the next general election.
But what of councillor, Benny White, who has been at the centre of controversy, since a no confidence vote was brought and supported by him, against the chairman and vice-chairman of the Portland Parish Council (PPC) in July?
Mr. White told The Sunday Gleaner that his support goes directly to Pearnel Charles, MP for North Central Clarendon, who is also vying for party leadership.
One delegate, Milton Oakley, indicated that the JLP needs the change and that Mr. Golding is the key to unlock the door to prosperity and recovery.
Mr Oakley said that although he fully endorsed Mr. Golding as prospective leader, Mr. Charles has had a "remarkable" career with the JLP. He said that a lot of respect must be shown to Mr. Charles, as a party fighter, politician and trade unionist.
