By Garwin Davis, Assistant News EditorWHEN PRIME Minister P.J. Patterson announced prior to the 2002 General Election that the race for the fourth term would signal the beginning of the end of his storied political career, it also brought into focus those who would want to succeed him as head honcho in the People's National Party (PNP).
And what a race it is shaping up to be. No less than four of the contenders have real live chances of going all the way and don't expect any of them to concede much, if anything, between now and what they hope to be, that special date with destiny.
PORTIA SIMPSON MILLER: STARTING PRIZE 2/1.
Everyone's favourite politician and clearly the person to beat here. Had very little, if any chance against P.J. Patterson in that one-sided race in 1992, but things could be different this time around. Will again have to overcome the hurdle of being the only serious filly in the field and could be hard-pressed to find racing room among the male chauvinists. She, however, has very powerful media friends a major luxury if ever there were one and look for her to take full advantage of this. Is this the day of reckoning for Portia will this finally be her date with destiny? Whatever happens, there is one undeniable fact. The race to see who succeeds Mr. Patterson starts and ends with Portia Simpson Miller.
DR. PETER PHILLIPS: STARTING PRIZE 3/1.
If there is one obstacle in the way of Portia becoming Jamaica's first female Prime Minister, look no further. Bright and articulate, Dr. Phillips is currently in charge of arguably the most challenging Ministry in the country the Ministry of National Security. And with the crime problem spiralling out of control seemingly on a daily basis, it would appear that Dr. Phillips may have his work cut out in convincing his party delegates that he is the right person to take the country into the post-Patterson era.
DR. OMAR DAVIES:
STARTING PRIZE 9/1.
The easiest thing would be to say that Dr. Davies has been so badly damaged politically that he has no chance here. Wrong. He is probably the closest minister to the Prime Minister and look for Mr. Patter-son to give him whatever assistance he can to get Dr. Davies over the top.
Remember, it won't be the country which will be voting on who succeeds Patterson, it will be the PNP delegates and that is where Dr. Davies could be a dangerous contender. Expect him though, to throw his weight behind Dr. Phillips if he concludes beyond the shadow of a doubt that he has no chance of winning.
DR. KARL BLYTHE:
STARTING PRIZE 17/1.
Will not win, but will be a major power broker. Could cause some anxious moments for several of the front runners and could well with all the support he has in the West decide the outcome of the race. Expect him to throw everything he has behind Portia.
ROBERT PICKERSGILL; STARTING PRIZE 10/1:
Another dangerous contender, who could well be the proverbial fly in the ointment. Has clout, charisma and matinee looks on his side and is very much in control of many of the female votes. Throw him in the Dr. Phillips' camp, the moment he realizes the writing is on the wall.
DR. PAUL ROBERTSON: STARTING PRIZE 99/1
Mr. "In The Pipeline" is clearly in over his head here and will be struggling from a long way out. Look for him to disappear without much of a whimper.
PAUL BURKE:
STARTING PRIZE 80/1
This is taking a joke too far. Burke won't be a factor or a power broker take this to the bank.`
MAXINE HENRY-WILSON: STARTING PRIZE 20/1.
Probably the brightest and most accessible contender in the field, who unfortunately will not be a factor. Will however, be a major plus for whoever wins.
K.D. KNIGHT:
STARTING PRIZE 80/1.
A sure shot to be disqualified on advice of the vet. Will definitely be a late non-starter.
