OBSERVER SEH DI BIG WINNERS

THE 2016 General Election is now history with an historic win being recorded by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP).
The triumphant victory of the JLP reversed a 21-42 seat deficit in 2011 to a 33-30 win in 2016, was achieved, in part, by the work, appeal and determination of a bunch of new candidates plus the contribution of party stalwarts.
The following represents the
Jamaica Observer’s biggest winners list from yesterday’s election.

Floyd Green (St Elizabeth South Western) — The St Elizabeth home-grown lad made an immediate impact ever since his ascendency as the JLP’s candidate caretaker for the St Elizabeth South Western constituency. He successfully used strong presence in the constituency, allied by a robust road programme, to beat incumbent Hugh Buchanan. In doing so, he earned (preliminary count) a victory margin of 2,088 — one of the largest ever in this notorious weathervane constituency. Green was particularly strong in the regular and social media where he often espoused the plight of his constituents. Green is without doubt a rising star on the country’s political scene.
Juliet Cuthbert Flynn (St Andrew West Rural) — This Olympian, who won silver in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, earned her golden moment with an emphatic victory over Paul Buchanan. Cuthbert Flynn achieved her goal while being pregnant at age 51. It was a precious moment for her, which underscored the worth of a popular and well known newcomer. For her this is the start of a marathon and a sprint.
Robert Montague (St Mary Western) — He went into the political doldrums after a bad and unexpected loss in 2011. He has learnt well from the shock defeat and has now rallied to restart his political life in Parliament. Indeed, it was a triumph of determination for Montague.
Juliet Holness (St Andrew East Rural) — Despite the burden of a late start to her candidacy in the constituency, storming attacks on her husband and herself regarding the legitimacy of their Beverly Hill home, and the media spotlight occasioned on her for being the wife of the leader of the JLP, Juliet Holness brought home St Andrew East Rural. She did so against another high-profile candidate in Imani Duncan-Price. It was a win based on faith and an absolute commitment to the leader of the JLP and the party itself. Juliet Holness worked hard in the hills of the constituency and reached her summit with confidence and pride.
Marlene Malahoo-Forte (St James West Central) — She defied the odds and pulled off quite an upset against a junior minister. Malahoo-Forte did not give up after defeat in Westmoreland and, although placed in a worrisome constituency, was able to ‘judge’ the situation well, and in the end came out triumphant.
Alando Terrelonge (St Catherine East Central) — A lawyer with an affinity for handling testing causes, Alando Terrelonge worked well in this new constituency and made his presence felt in the media on behalf of the people whose votes he sought.
Fayval Williams (St Andrew East) — From the day she won the position of constituency caretaker, Williams was ever present among the people. Another who used social and traditional media to her advantage to shore up strong political support, Williams was a part of the JLP’s economic team and is known for her knowledge of finance. She may well end up with a ministerial position in the Ministry of Finance and Planning.