PNP places JLP's James Robertson on 'goodbye list'

By: Daraine Luton, Senior Gleaner Writer

Image caption: Robertson .... having seen his winning margin cut from 2,136 in 2007 to 317 in 2011, the PNP believes he is very vulnerable.

Seemingly convinced that it can win both St Thomas seats for the first time since 1997, the People's National Party (PNP) has intensified campaign activities in the western section of the parish with the hope out ousting James Robertson.

The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP's) Robertson, the cousin of PNP general secretary Paul Burke and grandson of Rudolph Burke who unsuccessfully contested the seat for the PNP in 1944, has been MP since 2002.

But having seen his winning margin cut from 2,136 in 2007 to 317 in 2011, the PNP believes Robertson is very vulnerable.

"We have him where we want him,"  Horace O'Gilvie, a PNP St Thomas Western organiser said.

"I am sure we are going to get him out this time," he added.

The PNP is now holding a meeting in Yallahs headlining party president Portia Simpson Miller, two days before Nomination Day and two days after Robertson and JLP Leader Andrew Holness toured the constituency.

The PNP is set to nominate Marsha Francis Johnson as its candidate to take on Robertson, a JLP deputy leader in the February 25 general election.

"I know he is gone. Mi know we a move him dis time," said a PNP supporter from Heartease.