Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Nomination day activities in the West Portland constituency, which was in previous weeks marred by reports of defacing of political billboards and posters, was incident-free yesterday as Daryl Vaz of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People's National Party's (PNP) Abraham Dabdoub were officially recognised as the candidates for the August 27 general election.

A party-like atmosphere surrounded Mr. Vaz as thousands of green-clad supporters, dancing to Mavado's Gully Side, followed the candidate to the Buff Bay community hospital where he was nominated.

"I am very confident, very upbeat and looking forward to a peaceful election," said Mr. Vaz, who was escorted by his five children, wife Ann-Marie and father Douglas to the centre. Thousands of orange-clad supporters accompanied Mr. Dabdoub, who won the North East St. Catherine seat for the JLP in 2002, to the centre as the now Comrade cast his nomination.

Mr. Dabdoub, who arrived approximately 20 minutes past his designated 1:00 p.m. nomination time, exited the centre holding aloft a key that he said was given to him by the people of Portland.

Acknowledgement

However, the PNP candidate on his way off the grounds of the hospital did not acknowledge his predecessor, Errol Ennis, who was present to witness his nomination.

In response, Mr. Ennis said he did not think it was deliberate of Mr. Dabdoub to ignore his support.

"I have been on the phone with him since 6:00 a.m. (yesterday). It is his moment, not mine. He has his moment so I try to assist without being upfront," Mr. Ennis said. Meanwhile, when Mr. Dabdoub completed the nomination process and returned to the throng of supporters, coconuts were broken at his feet, as according to supporters, this was to ward off evil spirits.

"To purge him, now he is ready to embrace the people," Anne Innis, a supporter said.

shelly-ann.thompson@ gleanerjm.com