Lyn ‘sets duppy’ on JLP in Manchester Central

Former Member of Parliament for Manchester North Eastern Calvin Lyn has thrown his full support behind the People's National Party's (PNP) Donovan Mitchell, who will be facing off against Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) incumbent Rhoda Moy Crawford in Manchester Central.

Mitchell, who is the mayor of Mandeville, will be seeking to unseat Crawford, who scored a shocking victory over former PNP heavyweight Peter Bunting in 2020. But at yesterday's nominations, the 86-year-old Lyn, who has been a well-known figure in the constituency for decades, made it clear that he's going all out for Mitchell.

"Mi ago set Chiney and Indian duppy pon dem. You nuh see wah gwaan up a North East? Dog a nyam dog," Lyn declared amid the campaign song playing in the background. While admitting that he doesn't put much stock in superstition, Lyn added, "Mi nuh believe inna duppy but mi believe inna my spirit."

In a bid to rally the crowd, Lyn reminded them that winning close is still winning.

"Remember [former Prime Minister Hugh] Shearer won by four but he was MP. So tell dem don't worry how much you win by, win! And go work to win it back."

He also made a passionate plea for voters not to be swayed by newcomers.

"I tell the people I've been here with unno 60-odd years, have I ever told you a lie? This importee, don't mek dem fool you. Nuh mek dem draw wool ova unno head."

And Lyn already has plans for what will happen when Mitchell pulls off the win.

"Mi will be celebrating a whole week of victory after the elections, as my 87 birthday on the 5th of September."