WITH?THE?ST?JOHN by-election set for Thursday, January 20, the ruling Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is yet to officially name its candidate for the eastern riding.
However, reliable DLP sources have told the DAILY?NATION that Mara Thompson is almost certain to be the flagbearer for the seat which was held by her late husband and former Prime Minister David Thompson.
Ten other candidates are expected to withdraw once Thompson confirms her interest. She could not be reached last night.
The DLP nominee will have to be ratified by the party’s executive before nomination day next Wednesday, January 5.
Immediately after the date was made public yesterday, some vocal residents of Carters, St John, told the Daily Nation “it is Mara or nothing” even though DLP sources would only say their candidate will be announced on Sunday night.
“I supporting Mara all the way. If she doesn’t run, I’m not voting. Her husband was a good man, and she will be the same way,” said Francine Trotman.
She was joined by Peter Sealy, Michael Gill and Livy Crawford, who also said their participation was contingent on Thompson’s nomination.
Meanwhile, the opposition Barbados Labour Party (BLP) candidate, businessman Hudson Griffith, remained optimistic that he was making headway in what traditionally has been a DLP stronghold.
BLP campaign manager Dale Marshall said: “There are those who feel this is an impossible mountain to climb but he (Griffith) had impressed us all with his tenacity and perseverance. To him, nothing is impossible.
“We feel we have found a candidate committed to facing the polls for the long term, so that whatever the results of the election, Hudson Griffith is here to stay.”
The writ was issued by Governor General Sir Clifford Husbands, on the advice of Prime Minister Freundel Stuart.
Chairman of the Electoral and Boundaries Commission (EBC), Owen Estwick, last night said that his officers were already preparing for the upcoming vote in terms of updating the list of eligible voters. “As of January 31, 2010, there were 8 243 eligible voters, but there may have been some deaths and new constituents. We will have that register updated and get the ballot papers ready.”
