Stephanie Elliott, Gleaner Writer
MAY PEN, Clarendon:
ADRENALINE RAN high as voters awaited the outcome of the South East Clarendon constituency election on May 7, between sitting Member of Parliament Charles Learmond and businessman Noel 'Butch' Arscot.
The crowd could hardly be contained when it was announced that Mr. Arscot had beaten the incumbent 351 to 169 votes.
The election for political representation took place at the Garvey Maceo High School where hundreds of party supporters came out and cast their votes. Although the event, scheduled for 10:00 a.m., got off to a late start, the process went smoothly. Voters made open declaration of their favourite contender and as early as the process kicked off, it was evident that Mr. Arscot would be victorious at the polls.
Councillor representation for four divisions in the constituency also took place with ousted councillor for the Tollgate division, Godfrey Knight, voted in to represent the area in the next election. Councillors Carlton 'Junior' Bailey of the Milk River division and Uphell Purcell of the York Town division all retained their positions at the polls. Race Course Councillor Horace Charoo, uncontested, retained his right as PNP councillor representing his area.
After the announcements were made, an obviously disappointed Charles Learmond told The Gleaner that he will continue in his efforts to serve in the People's National Party as he had done over the past 39 years. Thanking his supporters, the former councillor for the York Town division and mayor of May Pen for 11 years, said that he had nothing to regret in the service he provided to his constituency. However, he blamed the lack of financial resources as a major contributor to his demise.
