Seaga
Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer
EDWARD SEAGA changed his mind yesterday and made a surprise visit to the Jamaica Labour Party's (JLP) annual conference at the National Arena.
On Saturday, the former JLP leader announced he would boycott the event because slogans announcing the conference offended him.
But from early yesterday morning, whispers circulated inside the arena that last-ditch efforts were being made to have Mr. Seaga address the thousands of party supporters who crammed into the standing-room-only arena.
At 1:58 p.m, while Ruddy Spencer, president of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU), was making his address, Mr. Seaga, his wife Carla, and their security detail entered the arena amid shouts of "Eddie, Eddie, Eddie".
This went on for about 15 minutes as the arena erupted into a frenzy that overshadowed the earlier reception of new JLP Leader Bruce Golding.
"I don't believe this, why is he here?" asked a pro-Bruce Golding supporter, surprised by the robust welcome the former party leader received.
PUTTING ON THE GREEN SHIRT
But she was only one of several pro-Golding supporters who appeared stunned at Mr. Seaga's foray into the arena. Others seemed pale-faced and upset at the thunderous reception Mr. Seaga received.
Senior JLP officials by this time had quietly gathered to discuss how events were being handled.
As soon as he arrived, Mr. Seaga and his wife were ushered to the podium where they saluted the many jubilant V-fingered Labourites.
He then left the podium, shook hands with Mr. Golding beside whom he then sat for a while.
Minutes later, he addressed the conference for about 20 minutes in which he spoke mainly of respect and legacy within the JLP.
"I said I wouldn't be here but I couldn't take (bear) the telephone calls," he said. "I never knew I would put on my green shirt again."
According to Mr. Seaga, having led the JLP for 30 years, he had come to "show respect to my people".
"When I was leader, I paid due respect to the legacy left to me by Bustamante," the former Opposition leader said to a cacophony of cheers. "As I leave the scene, I hope the legacy I leave behind will not be forgotten."
