Activist cheers for Bobby Montague win or lose

Self-proclaimed community activist Andrew Coward believes that Robert Montague has already done much for the people of St Mary Western, and said he would be sticking by the veteran politician, regardless of yesterday's election.

Coward, who lives in Jacks River, said he was among the first to cast his ballot yesterday morning.

"Eleven minutes after seven mi reach here. Mi a di fourth person in a the poll dis morning and mi still deh ya."

Proudly wearing a branded shirt, Coward explained why he was out early to show support.

"My two things about this voting today is Mr Montague has been instrumental in this community. In more ways than one. He put a location at the community centre for a HEART school in the community. Last time we checked, we had 460-odd persons attending HEART school. Most of them get work overseas and here as well, mostly in hotel industries."

"The HEART programme used to only have two disciplines, now it's four, and that is because of the resources that Mr Montague has poured into the school and him work with the administration," he added.

Coward also credited Montague with creating a sports complex, that he believes boosts community engagement, and pushing job opportunities tied to the Ian Fleming International Airport.

"Mi know bout all of this so mi can't change fi something mi nuh know bout," he said. At the time he spoke with THE STAR, he was hopeful of victory, but cautious.

"I'm ensuring that all of who mi know weh think like me vote for Mr Montague."

Election day itself was marked by a lack of buzz in several areas. The square of Gayle, normally filled with energy on such occasions, was noticeably sparse. The same quiet mood carried through Boscobel and Fontabelle, in sharp contrast to the vibes seen during the local government election earlier this year.

Among the few young faces was 21-year-old first-time voter Jada Parker, who admitted she had to be dragged out.

"A beg dem haffi beg me. The last time dem call down mi phone and mi never come. This time a dem draw me out a mi yard!" she exclaimed. Her cousin, who escorted her, warned her.

"Make sure you look what you a do and don't spoil the ballot. You never come last year and it nuh make sense you come here and waste mi effort fi carry you here," she said.

Many in Gayle described family influence and loyalty to the party as their main motivators to vote, rather than the excitement of the campaign or policies.