35,000 attend JLP mass rally in Richmond St Mary

Richmond District, well known as the home of the Richmond low security correctional facility commonly refereed to as the “gentleman’s prison” … as it is home to low risk non violent offenders, located in the cool hills of St. Mary…. an otherwise farming community. It was ironic that this rather off the beaten track location would have attracted such a massive crowd estimated to be thirty five thousand (35000) and growing by the minute.

The jubilant, flag waving, horn blowing and bell ringing green clad “disciples” of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) transformed the town into a sea of green. The loyal activists and supporters patiently waited some three hours before party leader Andrew Michael Holness’s eagerly anticipated arrival. It was a carnival type atmosphere. A handful of police officers stood by to keep the peace ….. there were no reports requiring arrests according to a police source. In fact the security detail for Opposition Leader and former PM Holness almost outnumbered local police.
It was a scene to behold. To the left, to the right and two blocks in front was in rich living columns of people of all walks of life. The strong outpouring of love and support for the JLP Leader and his political cause was evident. Many displayed his image on green background shirts.

by Hopeton O’CONNOR-DENNIE,

senior International Correspondent & photojournalist,
reporting from Richmond, St. Mary, Jamaica, W.I. for Vision Newspaper Canada.