KINGSTON, Jamaica -Andrew Michael Holness, who retained his leadership of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) after defeating challenger Audley Shaw by 2,704 votes to 2012, in his victory speech a short while ago said the leadership contest was a victory for democracy within the JLP and the grassroots people of the party.
“I am humbled, I am grateful for your support, but this is not a victory for me alone, it is a victory for democracy in the party and for you the delegates and workers on the ground for the JLP,” Holness said.
Leader Holness said the key going forward for the JLP is unity.
“This leadership race proves once and for all that we are a party filled with political talent, but the task ahead is for us to build unity, and unity starts with the leader, and I am giving you the delegates and supporters of the party that I will do everything possible to unite and strengthen this great party of ours. And the best way to do this is by beginning the work, the input in the field right now,” the Opposition Leader said.
Holness thanked his supporters, all in the JLP, his wife, his campaign team, the secretariat of the party and the Electoral Office of Jamaica for the work they did in making the leadership race one which was even and devoid of any major incidents.
He also promised to continue his consultations with the people of the JLP. “I will see you soon, as I will be continuing my travels around to island to meet you and others,” Holness said at the end of his victory speech.
Shaw says JLP stronger after election results
KINGSTON, Jamaica- In conceding victory today at the end of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leadership election, Deputy Leader Audley Shaw lauded the unity and strength within the party and thanked delegates for the massive voter turnout at the National Arena in Kingston.
“This is a great day for democracy in the Jamaica Labour Party,” he said.
“I want to congratulate the leader of the party Mr Andrew Holness on his victory. Congratulations to the leader of the party,” Shaw continued,
“I want to thank all of you for coming out and voting in your numbers, It has made the Labour party stronger. We have been re-energized and we are showing to all of Jamaica that we are a democratic Jamaica Labour Party,” Shaw added.
Andrew Holness received a whopping 2,704 votes, beating Shaw, who received 2,012 votes.
