‘Sniper Prophet’ rolls up in Probox trunk

Unlike many candidates who staged elaborate arrivals at nomination centres yesterday, 'Sniper Prophet' made his entrance from the trunk of a silver Toyota Probox.

Determined to cause a political earthquake in St Andrew South West -- the former constituency of ex-prime minister Portia Simpson Miller -- the aspiring politician, whose given name is Jahmar Watson, said the gesture reflected his bond with ordinary Jamaicans.

"A lot of people wanted to come," said Watson, who arrived at Greenwich Primary School with a small band of supporters.

"I wanted everybody to be comfortable, so mi never have a problem sitting in the trunk in my jacket suit, because I don't worship clothes," Watson explained. "I am here to serve the people."

Watson first announced his political ambitions in 2023, shortly after the government approved a significant salary increase for parliamentarians. But the clergyman insisted his motivation is not money. He argued that successive generations of leaders have failed Jamaicans, and that he represents the kind of transformational leadership the constituency needs.

"I believe in action over promises. We are accustomed to politicians campaigning and making promises, but I am working," he said. "I have my companies already, which includes my security businesses, and I am giving persons jobs and helping some to start their business. I am building a house for someone on Crescent Road. I think the people have got enough empty promises."

The St Andrew South West seat has remained under the control of the People's National Party (PNP) since 1976. PNP chairman Dr Angela Brown Burke fortified that dominance in the 2020 elections, polling 7,050 votes compared to the Jamaica Labour Party's Maureen Lorne, who received 628.

Despite being registered to vote in St Catherine North East, Watson is adamant that he will pull no fewer than 6,000 votes when Jamaicans head to the polls on September 3.

"I am very much confident that I will be victorious, based on the feedback from the people," he said.